Relations between Jean-Pierre Bemba and Joseph Kabila: a peaceful situation
In a recent interview with Top Congo, Jean-Pierre Bemba, former vice-president of the Democratic Republic of Congo, affirmed that he had no problem with former president Joseph Kabila. Despite political differences, Bemba said there was no animosity between them and they did not see or speak to each other.
This statement surprises some observers, given past tensions between the two politicians. Jean-Pierre Bemba was in fact arrested in 2008 and convicted by the International Criminal Court for war crimes and crimes against humanity committed by his militia during the conflict in the Central African Republic. At the same time, Joseph Kabila was in power as president of the DRC.
However, Bemba seems to put the past aside and favor an approach of reconciliation. He claims that relations between them are calm, without apparent hostility. This statement perhaps underlines a desire to turn the page and focus on the political future of the DRC.
The former vice-president also commented on the meeting between Joseph Kabila and Moïse Katumbi in Lubumbashi in May 2022. According to him, this meeting was the initiative of Katumbi who would have sought to reconcile with Kabila through the archbishop of Lubumbashi, Mgr Fulgence Muteba. Bemba describes this approach as “unfair”, but does not give further details on the reasons for this assertion.
It is interesting to note that these statements come at a key moment in Congolese politics, with presidential elections scheduled for 2023. Moïse Katumbi, former governor of Katanga and potential presidential candidate, is increasingly positioning himself as a major political actor, trying to bring together opponents of the former Kabila regime.
In conclusion, Jean-Pierre Bemba’s declaration on his relations with Joseph Kabila opens interesting perspectives on the evolution of the Congolese political landscape. As the DRC prepares for new elections, there appears to be a desire to put aside old quarrels and foster a dynamic of reconciliation for the good of the country.