The government of the Democratic Republic of Congo, led by President Félix Antoine Tshisekedi, has initiated a process to erase the name of former President Joseph Kabila from various national landmarks. This move is seen as a significant shift in the country's politics, as Kabila ruled Congo from 2001 to 2019. Tshisekedi's administration has been making efforts to reduce Kabila's influence on the country's politics.
According to reports from TV5MONDE, the government has instructed the 26 provincial governors to compile a list of locations that bear Kabila's name. The governors have been given 30 days to submit their reports, which will include the new names to be assigned to these locations. The decision to remove Kabila's name is not limited to roads and buildings but also includes monuments and other public spaces.
The move is believed to be linked to the strained relationship between Kabila and Tshisekedi, which has been escalating since 2020. Tshisekedi has been trying to distance himself from Kabila's influence, and the removal of Kabila's name from public spaces is seen as a step in that direction. Kabila, on the other hand, has been accused by Tshisekedi's government of collaborating with rebel groups.
On October 12, 2026, Kabila announced that he was leading a new political and military front, known as the Front pour la Refondation de la Nation (FRN). The FRN is a coalition of various groups, including the AFC/M23 rebel group, which has been fighting against Tshisekedi's government. The move has further strained relations between Kabila and Tshisekedi.
The decision to remove Kabila's name from public spaces has been met with mixed reactions. While some see it as a necessary step to reduce Kabila's influence, others believe it is an attempt to erase the country's history. The move has also raised questions about the legacy of Kabila's father, Laurent-Désiré Kabila, who ruled Congo from 1997 to 2001.
The Congolese government has stated that the removal of Kabila's name is not intended to erase the country's history but rather to promote national unity. The government has also emphasized that the decision is not a personal attack on Kabila but rather a necessary step to move the country forward.
The situation remains tense in Congo, with Kabila's influence still felt in the country's politics. The removal of his name from public spaces is seen as a significant step in Tshisekedi's efforts to consolidate power and reduce Kabila's influence. However, it remains to be seen how this move will impact the country's politics in the long run.
Key points
- The government of Congo has started removing Joseph Kabila's name from landmarks, roads, and buildings.
- The move is seen as a significant shift in the country's politics, as Kabila ruled Congo from 2001 to 2019.
- The decision has been met with mixed reactions, with some seeing it as a necessary step to reduce Kabila's influence and others believing it is an attempt to erase the country's history.
