Former Congo President Joseph Kabila reached Bukavu over the weekend after spending a month in rebel-controlled Goma. The move worries officials in Kinshasa who fear Kabila supports armed groups fighting the government. Bukavu serves as the capital of South Kivu Province and recently fell under M23 rebel control. Kabila calls his visits citizen consultations aimed at promoting peace and unity. Local sources confirmed his arrival in the eastern city.
Congo's Senate removed Kabila's legal protection last month and cleared the path for criminal charges. The Justice Ministry accuses the former leader of helping M23 rebels and harming the country. Kabila met with rebel coordinator Corneille Nangaa during his Goma stay and both promised to work for lasting peace. Political experts say Kabila legitimizes rebel rule through these meetings. His actions help him build a power base in eastern Congo.
President Felix Tshisekedi's government has not commented officially on Kabila's Bukavu visit. Security officials warn that Kabila's movements encourage rebel groups and hurt international peace efforts. Government sources call his actions a creeping rebellion against legal authority. Kabila presents himself as a national savior during his tour of rebel territory. Officials worry he undermines efforts to restore government control.
Uganda blocked Kabila from entering Congo through its borders recently. President Museveni refused the request to avoid damaging relations with Tshisekedi's government. Museveni distrusts Kabila for failing to fight ADF militants during his presidency. The former president transforms from a sidelined politician into a major crisis player. His eastern campaign challenges Tshisekedi's hold on power.
Congo's Senate removed Kabila's legal protection last month and cleared the path for criminal charges. The Justice Ministry accuses the former leader of helping M23 rebels and harming the country. Kabila met with rebel coordinator Corneille Nangaa during his Goma stay and both promised to work for lasting peace. Political experts say Kabila legitimizes rebel rule through these meetings. His actions help him build a power base in eastern Congo.
President Felix Tshisekedi's government has not commented officially on Kabila's Bukavu visit. Security officials warn that Kabila's movements encourage rebel groups and hurt international peace efforts. Government sources call his actions a creeping rebellion against legal authority. Kabila presents himself as a national savior during his tour of rebel territory. Officials worry he undermines efforts to restore government control.
Uganda blocked Kabila from entering Congo through its borders recently. President Museveni refused the request to avoid damaging relations with Tshisekedi's government. Museveni distrusts Kabila for failing to fight ADF militants during his presidency. The former president transforms from a sidelined politician into a major crisis player. His eastern campaign challenges Tshisekedi's hold on power.
