World
Joseph Kabila, 55, takes charge of Congo rebel front
BBC News·
Ex-DR Congo president Joseph Kabila, 55, was named leader of the Front for the Refoundation of the Nation this month. Reports tied him to M23 rebels who seized Goma and Bukavu last year. He ruled for 18 years before Felix Tshisekedi took over. He faces a death sentence after an in-absentia treason conviction and U.S. sanctions over alleged M23 support.
Prism
What It Means For You
- Eastern Congo's M23 conflict now carries the public brand of a former head of state.
- Opposition C64 coalition refused to back the rebellion and called for dialogue with both leaders.
- Mineral supply chains through Goma and Bukavu remain tied to who holds those cities.
What's Happening
- Kabila told CTGL he likened Tshisekedi to Mobutu and cited Section 64 of the constitution.
- He accused the government of ending a death-penalty moratorium from his presidency to intimidate opponents.
- Analyst Henry-Pacifique Mayala said Kabila had few other routes back to influence.
Distance From Kinshasa
- M23 gains remain concentrated about 1,500km from Kinshasa in the east.
- Kabila became president in 2001 after the assassination of his father Laurent.
- He formed a coalition with Tshisekedi after stepping down following 18 years in office.
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