Kabila Breaks Silence, Calls DR Congo Government a “Dictatorship

Former president Joseph Kabila has broken years of media silence, granting a rare interview in which he sharply criticizes the current leadership of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and calls for what he describes as an end to a “dictatorship.”

Former president Joseph Kabila has broken years of media silence, granting a rare interview in which he sharply criticizes the current leadership of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and calls for what he describes as an end to a “dictatorship.”

Speaking to La Libre Belgique in the eastern city of Goma on March 20, Kabila said the country is facing a deep political and security crisis, warning that its trajectory resembles the instability that led to the collapse of Sudan.

Kabila, who ruled from 2001 to 2019, said he remains calm despite growing pressure, including legal action against him and a recent drone strike near his residence that killed three people. While investigations are ongoing, he suggested that both he and the wider population have been targets of ongoing violence.

He strongly criticized the government of President Félix Tshisekedi, accusing it of poor governance, tribalism, and undermining the Constitution.

According to Kabila, the country has moved away from the relative unity achieved at the end of his tenure and is now at risk of uncontrolled instability.

“The ingredients for a serious crisis are all there,” he said, warning that failure to properly manage the situation could lead to dangerous consequences, though he stopped short of predicting a territorial split.

Kabila emphasized that peace remains a choice, recalling early 2000s efforts that led to national reunification through dialogue.

He argued that the current leadership has instead chosen war, noting that years of conflict in the east have persisted without resolution.

“There is no longer the same wisdom,” he said. “We are dealing with warmongers in power.”

Addressing his presence in Goma, a city associated with armed groups, Kabila said he has the right to engage with all Congolese actors, describing it as part of a broader mission to restore cohesion and peace.

He also called for mass mobilization against the current system, referencing Article 64 of the Constitution, which obliges citizens to oppose any authority that violates constitutional order.

On ongoing international mediation efforts involving multiple actors, including talks in Doha and Washington, Kabila expressed skepticism, citing a lack of coordination and political will in Kinshasa.

He further warned against attempts to revise the Constitution, describing such moves as dangerous and typical of failing regimes. Instead, he called for a “radical change” in the political system, including a renewal of the political class.

Despite the uncertainty, Kabila said he believes the Congolese people could ultimately take charge of their future.

“The people can surprise us,” he said.