Augustin Kabuya, the interim president and secretary general of the Union for Democracy and Social Progress (UDPS), launched a scathing attack on former President Joseph Kabila, accusing him of failing to address human rights abuses and journalist killings during his tenure. Speaking at a gathering in Limete on October 10, Kabuya asserted that Kabila was not a model for human rights advocacy, given his own record. He claimed that Kabila's recent comments on human rights and press freedom were an attempt to rewrite history and reposition himself politically.
Kabuya specifically mentioned the killings of journalists Bapuwa Muamba and Franck Ngikie, who were murdered in 2006 and 2005 respectively. He also condemned the Likofi operation, a crackdown on kuluna gangs in Kinshasa, which resulted in the deaths of around 50 young people and 33 disappearances. Furthermore, Kabuya pointed to the violence that occurred between 2015 and 2016, during Kabila's presidency. He argued that Kabila could not erase the country's history and that he should allow the Congolese people to address their problems.
In response to Kabila's criticism of the current government's human rights record, Kabuya defended the achievements of President Félix Tshisekedi. He stated that young people who were previously considered delinquents were now contributing to national development initiatives. Kabuya claimed that these same young people, who Kabila had sent to their deaths, were now working to build the country under Tshisekedi's leadership.
Kabuya questioned Kabila's motivations, suggesting that his recent statements were aimed at maintaining his political relevance. He dismissed Kabila's speech as a "non-event," arguing that the former president's own record spoke for itself. This exchange has reignited the debate on the human rights records of successive governments and the issue of press freedom.
The controversy highlights the ongoing tensions between Kabila and the Tshisekedi camp. Kabila's supporters have been critical of Tshisekedi's government, accusing it of failing to address pressing issues such as security and corruption. The UDPS and its allies have been pushing for accountability and reforms, which has led to a war of words with Kabila's loyalists.
The human rights situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo remains a pressing concern. According to reports, numerous human rights abuses have been committed in recent years, including extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, and torture. The Congolese government has faced criticism from international organizations and human rights groups for its handling of these issues.
The confrontation between Kabuya and Kabila underscores the challenges facing the Congolese government in addressing its human rights legacy. As the country continues to grapple with these issues, the debate over accountability and reform is likely to remain contentious.
Key points
- Augustin Kabuya accused Joseph Kabila of failing to address human rights abuses and journalist killings during his presidency.
