Joseph Kabila denounces “dictatorship” and calls for the rebuilding of the state

SOS Médias Burundi

Kinshasa, May 24, 2025 – The former Congolese president delivered a powerful speech on Friday, denouncing a serious political, security, and institutional crisis. He proposed a citizens’ pact to break the country’s impasse.

Joseph Kabila Kabange spoke on Friday amid a tense political climate in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The former president accused the current regime of authoritarianism, calling the situation a nascent “dictatorship.” He criticized the concentration of power, the violation of the Constitution, and the December 2023 electoral fraud, which, he said, had weakened the country’s institutions.

He also denounces the rise of tribalism, political repression, and the weakening of Parliament, which, according to him, has become a mere chamber for the execution of the presidential will.

On the security front, Kabila points to the explosive situation in the east of the country, the massacres in Goma, the poor preparation of the armed forces, and the persecution of the Swahili-speaking population. He also accuses certain armed groups of being used by the national army, which, according to him, threatens regional stability.

Faced with this crisis, he proposes a “12-point citizens’ pact” aimed at restoring democracy, calming the country, and resuming dialogue with neighbors, while calling for the complete restructuring of the state.

Despite the lifting of his parliamentary immunities, Joseph Kabila announces his upcoming trip to Goma and affirms his readiness to defend the DRC “to the supreme sacrifice.”

“Kabila’s speech marks a new stage in the political restructuring of the DRC.” He is attempting to reposition himself as an opponent while presenting himself as a solution in the face of a deep crisis. This return could polarize the public opinion, but also strengthen his political influence,” analyzes a Congolese governance expert.

The lifting of Joseph Kabila’s immunities

On Thursday, May 22, 2025, the Congolese Senate voted to lift Joseph Kabila’s immunities, paving the way for legal proceedings. He is accused by the High Military Court of supporting the M23 rebellion and the Congo River Alliance, a politico-military movement to which this armed group—which now controls the provincial capitals of North and South Kivu, in the east of the country—is affiliated.

This vote, by secret ballot, was adopted by 88 out of 98 senators, in a very tense political climate. The Kabila camp denounced a political maneuver, while the government asserted that justice must do its work, without exception.

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Joseph Kabila, the former Congolese head of state who calls for the rebuilding of the state (DR)