** Joseph Kabila: a holistic vision for peace in the Democratic Republic of Congo **
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), this vast country with invaluable natural riches, is again under the spotlight, while its old demons of governance, conflicts and instability re -surface. Indeed, the recent declarations by Joseph Kabila, former president of the DRC, in a forum published by Fatshimetrics, highlight not only the security issues but also the political, social and institutional roots which feed the current crisis. At a time when the world observes with particular attention the evolution of this complex situation, it is essential to step back and consider the Congolese conflict from a larger angle.
In his criticism of current management by Félix Tshisekedi, Kabila evokes a central theme: bad governance. However, rather than focusing solely on leaders’ errors, it is relevant to examine the way in which international actors, including the SADC (Development Community of Southern Africa), intervene in this reality. Indeed, the military support provided by the SADC is often perceived as a dressing on a gaping wound. The militarization of the response to the crisis only obscured the real celestial issues, over -term over -term symptoms without ever targeting deep causes.
### The SADC paradox
While SADC advocates peace and stability throughout the region, its military intervention could have contrary effects. Historical data show that military initiatives often only succeed when other dimensions, especially socio -political, are also discussed. In 2015, military intervention in South Africa in the context of tensions within the borders of Zimbabwe not only failed to stabilize this country, but also exacerbated anti-SADC feelings among local populations, rendering all even more difficult peaceful resolution thereafter.
Kabila, by calling for a dissolution of military responses in favor of solutions based on governance and democratic representation, evokes an urgent need to reform not only Congolese institutions, but also regional political dynamics. Towards a real internal dialogue, it is crucial to bring together all the actors, including those of the opposition, to create a serious framework for negotiation and appeasement of tensions.
### Conflict roots: a historical analysis
To understand the current conflict, it is essential to go back to the time preceding the presidency of Joseph Kabila. The Sun City pact, established in 2002, served as a basis for a political transition which made it possible to put an end to years of civil war. However, the promises made as part of this pact were not respected. Today, the questioning of this pact by the absence of a national consensus and the December 2023 elections, qualified as illegitimate by the opposition, created a fertile ground for a new crisis.
By leaning on economic issues, the growing debt of the DRC becomes an essential problem which, according to recent statistics, has increased by more than 25 % in the past five years. This debt prevents not only essential investments in infrastructure, but growing economic despair also aggravates the security situation by encouraging armed groups to recruit among young disillusioned.
### A call to action
The words of Joseph Kabila, although they may seem controversial, underline a difficult truth: as long as international actors are not committed to supporting principles of good governance and political reforms, their efforts to stabilize the region will remain in vain. Kabila urges international partners to listen to the legitimate demands of the Congolese people. In doing so, he recalls that the key to peace lies not only in the fight against armed groups, but also in the construction of a viable democratic state, truly listening to its citizens.
In this quest towards lasting peace, the DRC must consider making a paradigm shift, moving away from a warlike logic to move towards an inclusive dialogue. By uniting political forces and placing the aspirations of the people at the center of government concerns, it would be possible to erect a more resilient system in the face of the challenges around them.
In conclusion, while the DRC continues to face simultaneous crises on various fronts, there is no doubt that the voices like those of Joseph Kabila have their place in the debate. The question that then arises is: What type of future do we want to build for this country? The answer to this question must imperatively include a sincere will to initiate a constructive dialogue, to promote transparency and to eradicate the foundations of bad governance. This is why the real key to lasting peace will be found in the DRC.