Joseph Kabila, the former President of the DRC, has suspended his studies in South Africa to focus on the worsening situation in his home country. He discussed the importance of collective responsibility in addressing national challenges and emphasized peace as essential for development. Kabila also provided insights on mediation efforts and his relationship with current President Félix Tshisekedi.
Joseph Kabila, the former President of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), has announced the suspension of his studies at the University of Johannesburg to address the escalating situation in his country. During an interview with the Namibia Broadcasting Corporation, Kabila expressed that his focus is essential in light of the ongoing crisis in the DRC, stating that he initially engaged in various activities, including academic pursuits, since leaving office in 2019. “If the situation back home continues to deteriorate, we must ensure that the DRC does not go down the drain,” he remarked.
Kabila confirmed the suspension of his academic activities due to the urgent circumstances in the DRC. “We put our academic activities on hold two or three months ago to dedicate more time and attention to the situation back home,” he stated, addressing the necessity of prioritizing his nation’s needs over personal endeavors.
Refuting claims that he has been “emerging from the shadows,” Kabila affirmed that he has continually been active and engaged in high-priority matters. “I have never been in the shadows—I have always been in the light,” he clarified, emphasizing the importance of focusing on key issues at hand.
Regarding calls from his party, the People’s Party for Reconstruction and Democracy (PPRD), Kabila indicated that stabilizing the DRC is a shared responsibility among all Congolese citizens. He underscored the need for collective effort, noting that the complexities of the DRC cannot be resolved by one individual alone.
Kabila highlighted the significant challenges faced by the DRC’s 120 million population due to longstanding governance issues and injustices, stating, “What is crucial now is to channel all these good intentions and generate enough positive energy to address the situation.” He reaffirmed his political platform’s commitment to promoting peace and stability in the DRC.
On his historical role in peace processes, Kabila reflected on past agreements, including the Lusaka Agreement, stating that while progress was made, there remain deep-rooted causes for ongoing conflicts. He framed peace as an essential precursor to economic development, asserting, “Economic prosperity for the people is impossible without peace.”
Kabila expressed concerns about the presence of foreign troops, recalling a fundamental decision made in 2001 for their withdrawal. “This decision led to most foreign troops withdrawing and left Congolese to handle their affairs—albeit with regional and international support,” he noted. However, he warned that today’s geopolitical context might complicate similar initiatives.
Offering insights on mediation efforts through regional leaders, Kabila advised focusing on direct engagement with Congolese citizens as vital for a successful resolution to the crisis. He emphasized the importance of ensuring goodwill and establishing assurances that will lead to enduring peace, stating, “Successful mediation requires engaging the Congolese people.”
Lastly, Kabila discussed his relationship with current President Félix Tshisekedi, noting the initial coalition government formed after his presidency which had since been unilaterally dissolved by President Tshisekedi.
In summary, Joseph Kabila has paused his academic pursuits to address the critical situation in the DRC, emphasizing that collective efforts are essential for national stability. He rejected claims of retreating from public life, asserting his ongoing involvement in significant issues. Kabila underscored the importance of engaging citizens in mediation efforts and maintaining peace as a prerequisite for development. His reflections on political partnerships and the role of foreign intervention convey a complex understanding of the DRC’s socio-political landscape.
Original Source: www.newtimes.co.rw
