Peter Kazadi, a member of the UDPS party, has denied any involvement of President Felix Tshisekedi in the invitation of M23 rebels to Kinshasa. During a live broadcast, Kazadi stated that Tshisekedi had explicitly denied inviting the M23 in 2023. Instead, Kazadi attributed the initiative to a former member, whose name was not specified, who allegedly facilitated the presence of M23 members in Kinshasa.
According to Kazadi, the former member had informed the then-Minister of Interior, Gilbert Kankonde, of the M23 members' presence in the city. The same individual allegedly requested the Auditor General to drop charges against them. Kazadi maintained that Tshisekedi was not involved in the invitation and challenged anyone to contradict him if he was lying.
Kazadi also addressed the release of M23 cadres, including Byamungu and Nsabimana, who had been convicted and imprisoned. He claimed that former President Joseph Kabila had signed ordinances releasing them and that the Tshisekedi government had merely executed these orders as part of the state's continuity. Kazadi emphasized that there was no evidence of Tshisekedi signing any documents authorizing the release of these individuals.
When questioned about Tshisekedi's ability to block the ordinances, Kazadi acknowledged that he had the power to do so but argued that the government had no interest in blocking them. He questioned how anyone could have predicted that the released individuals would rejoin the rebellion. Kazadi also mentioned that Kabila had signed numerous ordinances, some of which were backdated, and appointed multiple individuals to the same position simultaneously.
Kazadi disputed the characterization of the M23 members as rebels during their 14-month presence in Kinshasa. He claimed that they had come to seek integration and "regain patriotic ranks." Kazadi argued that it was not possible to shut them out. The issue has sparked controversy, with different parties weighing in on the matter.
The controversy surrounding the M23's presence in Kinshasa and their subsequent release has sparked intense debate. Other politicians, including Seth Kikuni, have made statements on the issue, suggesting that Kabila's legacy will lead to a divided country. Meanwhile, Léonard She Okitundu has launched an initiative to condemn the M23 and Rwanda for occupying national territories.
The situation remains complex, with various stakeholders presenting different accounts of the events. While Kazadi maintains that Tshisekedi was not involved in the invitation, others continue to raise questions about the government's handling of the situation. The issue is likely to remain a topic of discussion in the coming days.
Key points
- Peter Kazadi denies President Felix Tshisekedi's involvement in inviting M23 rebels to Kinshasa.
- Kazadi attributes the initiative to a former member, who allegedly facilitated the presence of M23 members in Kinshasa.
- The controversy surrounding the M23's presence in Kinshasa has sparked intense debate among politicians and stakeholders.
