Leading opposition leader in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) Moïse Katumbi says the initiated judicial process to lift former republican president Joseph Kabila could exacerbate divisions and further weaken national cohesion.
Since announcing his potential return to the DR Congo back in April, Kabila has been a victim of several atrocities and slander perpetrated against him by his successor Félix Tshisekedi and his government which has proposed lifting of his immunity with no justifications.
Katumbi, leader of the Ensemble Pour la Republique party, has condemned Tshisekedi and his government and advised them to prioritize inclusive dialogue and consultation with all the nation’s vital forces rather than seeking to lift Kabila’s immunity for political purposes.
“The attempt to lift the parliamentary immunities of Honorary President Joseph Kabila, in defiance of the legal provisions requiring a vote by Congress, constitutes a dangerous and irresponsible approach. At a time when the Democratic Republic of Congo is facing major challenges, including insecurity in the east and social tensions, this initiative risks exacerbating divisions and further weakening national cohesion. Rather than engaging in political maneuvering, the government should prioritize inclusive dialogue and consultation with all the nation’s vital forces, including the former president of the republic, to consolidate the country’s unity and stability,” Katumbi wrote on X.
Tshisekedi’s government accuses, without any evidence, Kabila of leading and supporting the AFC-M23 rebellion which has seized the larger parts of eastern DR Congo.
The Senate has began reviewing the submission made with the order of Tshisekedi by Minister of Justice Constant Mutamba to lift Kabila’s immunity.
