Former Democratic Republic of the Congo President Joseph Kabila has publicly criticized the current government's handling of the security situation in the eastern part of the country. In a speech shared on social media on October 9, 2026, Kabila expressed concerns over the ongoing conflict and the government's approach to resolving it. He accused the authorities of pursuing a war that they are not willing or able to win. Kabila's comments come amid continued violence and instability in the region.
Kabila specifically pointed to the lack of progress in negotiations with other parties to the conflict, despite military setbacks he attributes to the Congolese Armed Forces (FARDC). He also criticized the government's alleged collaboration with armed groups, including the Wazalendo and the Forces démocratiques de libération du Rwanda (FDLR). Furthermore, Kabila denounced the ongoing supply of arms and ammunition to these groups and the bombardment of civilian populations. These actions, he claims, undermine the government's efforts to achieve peace.
The former president also expressed disappointment over the government's failure to respect the ceasefire agreement signed in Doha. He called for an inclusive national dialogue to address the country's crisis. Kabila accused the government of ignoring initiatives proposed by regional organizations, the African Union, and the Congolese bishops' conference (CENCO). He emphasized that a meaningful dialogue is essential to finding a lasting solution to the conflict.
Kabila also criticized the government's attempts to change the Constitution, which he believes would undermine the country's pact and stability. He cited the resumption of parliamentary work on a bill related to a referendum and campaigns by government supporters in favor of a constitutional revision. The former president also reported repression of anti-revision protests, which he claims target military personnel, opposition leaders, journalists, and activists.
In addition to security and constitutional concerns, Kabila addressed the agreement between the DRC and the United States on strategic minerals. He warned that President Félix Tshisekedi's reliance on US support is misplaced, as such agreements bind states beyond changes in leadership. Kabila emphasized that international agreements involve the continuity of the state, not the perpetuation of regimes in power.
The former president expressed concerns about the exploitation of the country's mineral resources, which he believes could compromise national independence and the interests of future generations. He recalled his May 23, 2025, address, in which he presented a 12-point program aimed at resolving the country's crisis, including ending the war, restoring state authority, and neutralizing armed groups.
Kabila concluded by emphasizing the urgency of the situation, stating that "the Congo is in peril" and that saving the country is an imperative. He called on Congolese citizens to take responsibility for addressing the crisis. The speech reflects Kabila's ongoing engagement with the country's politics and his concerns about the current government's handling of security and constitutional issues.
Key points
- Joseph Kabila criticizes Félix Tshisekedi's handling of security in eastern DRC.
- Kabila calls for an inclusive national dialogue to address the country's crisis.
- The former president expresses concerns about the government's attempts to change the Constitution.
