### Joseph Kabila: A Silent Reemergence in the Congolese Political Landscape
The recent announcement by Raymond Tshibanda, a former minister and close friend of former President Joseph Kabila, has sparked renewed interest in Congolese politics. By affirming that Kabila remains available to intervene in national affairs, Tshibanda is shining a spotlight on a figure who, since leaving power in January 2019, seemed to be withdrawing from the political scene. This statement is not simply a reminder of Kabila’s political past, but rather a vehicle for reflection on the evolution of democracy in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
#### A Political Presence in Filigree
Tshibanda’s intervention, marked by references to the Martyrs of Independence, draws attention to several crucial elements. While Kabila has not held an official position since his departure, his image and informal network continue to influence the political landscape. These behind-the-scenes interactions remind us that politics, especially in the Congolese context, is not only played out on the front burner but also in the background, through carefully crafted alliances and strategic moves.
This dynamic raises the question of whether the country has truly undergone a democratic transition or whether Kabila remains an elusive power player. Indeed, studies show that most power transitions in authoritarian regimes like Congo’s do not result in fundamental changes, but rather a rearrangement of the ruling elites. It is legitimate to wonder whether Kabila, with his experience and network, could play a role of “shadow president” by influencing government decisions through less visible channels.
#### Tribal-Political Dictatorship: A Persistent Reality?
Tshibanda’s speech also evokes a disenchantment with what he calls a “tribal-political dictatorship,” referring to political patronage that targets and divides the population along ethnic lines. This term raises pertinent questions about how identity, politics, and governance interact in the DRC. Historically, ethnic identity has been at the heart of political struggles, exacerbating tensions between different communities and undermining efforts at national cohesion.
Data show that since Félix Tshisekedi’s rise to the presidency, ethnic tensions have continued to emerge, often exacerbated by rivalries within the state apparatus and political parties. The rise in violence and armed conflict in some regions reflects not only a failure to manage conflict, but also a lack of genuinely inclusive governance. Tshibanda, by calling for resistance, invites the Congolese to unite, transcending ethnic divisions, to claim their fundamental rights..
#### Nostalgia for a Kabilist Era?
The implicit support for the idea that Kabila could return to the political game also echoes a nostalgia for a time when the DRC had, according to some, a certain stability. Kabila’s supporters often point to the progress made during his presidency in terms of infrastructure and access to services. Despite accusations of corruption and human rights violations, there is a segment of the population that associates his name with moments of relative serenity compared to the crises that have intensified in recent years.
This dichotomy between past and present could be indicative of a broader trend: the Congolese people, tired of successive disappointments, may be inclined to seek out familiar, even controversial, figures. This need for reassurance in the face of an uncertain future could favor a return, even symbolic, of Kabila or at least an acceptance of his influence.
#### Conclusion: Towards a Politics of Resistance?
In this context, Tshibanda’s intervention could be seen as a call for mobilization, a reminder of the struggles for independence. The idea that each home can become a “resistance cell” reflects a need for civic awareness in the face of the challenges of the present. The Congolese are called upon not to give in to fate, but to actively engage in the reconfiguration of their future.
While the political scene remains volatile, reactions around the figure of Kabila could not only influence the next elections, but also redefine the role of the people in the quest for a truly representative democracy. The struggle continues, and a return to the sources of resistance could well be the lever for a political renaissance in the Democratic Republic of Congo.