Kabila Rallies Opposition to ‘Save’ DR Congo from Deepening Crisis

Convicted Former President Re-Emerges in Nairobi to Challenge Tshisekedi’s Rule

Joseph Kabila, former president of Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR Congo), has announced the formation of a movement to “save” the country from what he described as a growing dictatorship under Félix Tshisekedi.

Kabila made the declaration after meeting with opposition leaders in Nairobi, where discussions were held on Tuesday and Wednesday to mobilize Congolese citizens against Tshisekedi’s government.

Government Dismisses Opposition Effort

In response, Congolese government spokesman Patrick Muyaya dismissed the meeting as a “non-event,” labeling it a gathering of “fugitives and convicts.” Meanwhile, Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs of Kenya has not commented on the event.

The opposition gathering comes at a time of heightened political and security tensions in DR Congo, with the country’s eastern region facing persistent conflict.

Kabila’s Return to the Spotlight

Kabila’s appearance in Nairobi marks his first public sighting since May. Earlier this year, he was sentenced to death in absentia for war crimes and treason. He rejected the charges as “arbitrary” and refused to appear in court.

The Nairobi meeting also included Augustin Matata Ponyo, a former prime minister of DR Congo who was sentenced to ten years in prison for corruption.

Opposition Denounces Political Repression

Participants at the meeting accused the Tshisekedi administration of rejecting inclusive dialogue and failing to address worsening economic conditions. In a 14-point declaration signed by 12 opposition and civil society leaders, they pledged to unite Congolese citizens to confront what they described as political repression.

“From every corner and crevice of Congo, let us unite and take daily actions to save the DR Congo. Every gesture matters and will count toward victory and dignity,” the statement read.

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The opposition leaders condemned the “arbitrary detention of political leaders” and “unfair judgments handed down by courts” against critics of the government.

International Diplomatic Offensive Planned

The coalition vowed to launch a diplomatic offensive to alert the international community to the political and security crisis in DR Congo.

The Congolese government has previously expressed concern over Kenya hosting opposition figures linked to the March 23 Movement (M23) rebels, who control significant portions of eastern DR Congo and have fueled tensions between Kinshasa and Nairobi.

Historical Tensions Between Kabila and Tshisekedi

Kabila ruled DR Congo from 2001 to 2019 after succeeding his father, Laurent-Désiré Kabila, who was assassinated in 2001. Though he supported Tshisekedi in the disputed 2019 election, the two later fell out. Kabila went into self-imposed exile in 2023.

Tshisekedi accused him of being the mastermind behind the M23 rebel movement, leading the Senate to strip him of legal immunity. This paved the way for his prosecution and eventual death sentence in a military court earlier this year.

Ceasefire Tensions with M23

The Nairobi meeting occurred shortly after the Congolese government signed a monitoring agreement with M23 in Doha to oversee a fragile ceasefire. Both parties have since accused each other of violating the deal, raising fears of renewed violence in the east.

Kabila had last been seen in May in the M23-held city of Goma, when he said he wanted to help find a solution to the conflict.

What Comes Next

Kabila’s re-emergence could reshape the Congolese political landscape as opposition forces rally around his call for “resistance.” The government, however, maintains that he and other opposition figures are attempting to destabilize the country amid ongoing security threats.

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