Former Democratic Republic of Congo President Joseph Kabila has stated that a recent drone attack in the city of Goma was intended to kill him. In an interview with CTGL, Kabila revealed that he was in Goma during the attack and felt safe until the drone appeared. He expressed confidence that the attack was meant to target him and others present in the city. Kabila's comments come amid ongoing security concerns in the region.
Kabila, who leads the Front pour la Refondation de la Nation (FRN), also discussed the ongoing conflict in eastern DRC. He mentioned that drone attacks have continued to target civilians in areas such as Masisi, Minembwe, and South Kivu. The former president emphasized the need for a peaceful resolution to the conflict, which has resulted in significant human suffering and displacement.
Regarding the Doha negotiations aimed at resolving the conflict in eastern DRC, Kabila stated that his party views the talks as one possible avenue for achieving peace. However, he stressed that other approaches should also be explored to achieve lasting peace. Kabila emphasized the importance of involving all relevant parties in the dialogue and ensuring that any agreements reached are implemented.
Kabila criticized the current government's approach to national dialogue, accusing President Félix Tshisekedi of seeking to control the process and exclude certain groups. He argued that genuine national dialogue must involve all stakeholders and be conducted in a transparent and inclusive manner. Kabila also expressed concerns about the government's alleged attempts to manipulate the constitution and create political instability.
The former president also touched on the issue of the national dialogue's structure and participants. He emphasized that the dialogue should involve all parties with a significant stake in the country's future and that its outcome should be binding on all parties. Kabila stressed the need for a neutral and impartial body to oversee the dialogue and ensure that its conclusions are implemented.
Kabila's comments reflect broader concerns about the government's handling of the conflict and the national dialogue process. The DRC has faced ongoing security challenges, particularly in the eastern regions, and the need for an inclusive and peaceful resolution to the conflict remains a pressing issue. Kabila's statements are likely to spark further debate about the government's approach to the conflict and the national dialogue.
The situation in DRC remains complex, with many stakeholders vying for influence and seeking to shape the country's future. As the government navigates the challenges of conflict resolution and national dialogue, Kabila's comments serve as a reminder of the need for an inclusive and peaceful approach to addressing the country's problems. The international community continues to watch the situation closely, with many urging the government to prioritize dialogue and cooperation.
Key points
- Joseph Kabila says a recent drone attack in Goma was intended to kill him.
- Kabila criticizes the government's approach to national dialogue, accusing President Tshisekedi of seeking to control the process.
- The former president emphasizes the need for an inclusive and peaceful resolution to the conflict in eastern DRC.
