Laurent Désiré Kabila and the liberation of Zaire
On May 17, the Democratic Republic of Congo celebrated Liberation Day by honoring the Armed Forces of the DRC. During this commemoration, Germain Akili Shamavu, the national coordinator of the club “Vision Modeste Bahati Lukwebo”, returned to the triumphal arrival of Laurent Désiré Kabila in Kinshasa in 1997, after liberating Zaire from the dictatorship of Mobutu Sese Seko.
If for some, Laurent Désiré Kabila is considered as the one who freed the country from foreign domination, he is not unanimous. For Germain Akili Shamavu, one of the strong points of Laurent Désiré Kabila was to have suspended the constitution and to have changed the name of the country to the Democratic Republic of Congo. However, he deplores the fact that Laurent Désiré Kabila did not know how to distinguish his allies. Having been a maquis man, he did not understand the realities of the country and thus suffered the infiltration of his enemies who finally murdered him.
The number 1 in the DRC of Club Vision Modeste Bahati Lukwebo urges all Congolese to take ownership of the struggle of Mzée Laurent Désiré Kabila, “the Soldier of the People”, for a Congo dependent on itself in all respects.
Although his return was welcomed by the population as a miraculous liberation, it is clear that the situation in the DRC is far from idyllic. Problems of flooding, insecurity and shortage of drinking water persist in certain regions. Moreover, the political situation is unstable. The upcoming elections will therefore be crucial for the political future of the country.
The Democratic Republic of Congo is plagued by growing insecurity, deadly violence in the north of the country and an alarming socio-economic situation. The opposition continues to demonstrate to denounce these evils. Elected officials are also on alert, aware of the political urgency.
Finally, the electoral calendar in the DRC also raises concerns. The question then arises as to whether the next elections will indeed be free and democratic elections or whether they will be biased by corrupt and fraudulent practices.
Despite its tumultuous history, the Democratic Republic of the Congo harbors hope for a better future