** Decipher the political conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo: accusations of instrumentalization and the phenomenon of militias **
In an already tumultuous political context in the DRC, the recent statement by Jean-Pierre Bemba, a former defense vice-premier, has rekindled tensions between political camps. During a popular meeting in Bandundu on February 25, 2025, Bemba directly accused the former president Joseph Kabila of being behind the militia known as “Mibondo”. Such a declaration deserves a more in -depth analysis not only of the content, but also of the social, economic and security implications which are linked to it.
### Inventory: the Mubondo militia
The Mibléo militia, allegedly linked to Kabila, is not a new phenomenon in the Congolese political landscape. Armed groups, often perceived as a reflection of political rivalries, are actually symptomatic of deep social fractures. The province of Mai-ndombe, like many others in the DRC, saw the emergence of armed groups following the multiplication of territorial and ethnic conflicts. In this sense, to accuse a political personality to manipulate or create a militia seems, both, simplistic and revealing a larger systemic problem.
### The reactions of Joseph Kabila and the PPRD
The People’s Party for Reconstruction and Democracy (PPRD), Joseph Kabila’s party immediately rejected these accusations, qualifying them as a diversion maneuver orchestrated by the current regime led by Félix Tshisekedi. The press release signed by Ramazani Shadary, permanent secretary of the PPRD, insists that these accusations are not based on any tangible evidence. This underlines a political strategy of denial and attack, often observed in power struggles in Africa, where the disinformation and manipulation of public opinion are common.
### History of accusations and political instrumentalization
The political dynamics in the DRC is marked by accusation, counter-accusation and destabilization cycles. Bemba’s statements are part of a long tradition where political actors use militias as tools for intimidation, territorial control or strengthening their power. The accusations of manipulation of the truth by the PPRD also raise the question of objectivity in a context where the media are often influenced by political actors. This phenomenon leads to wondering to what extent the truth can really be discerned in such a politicized environment.
### The consequences on the population
The repercussions of these power struggles on the Congolese population are deep. Fear of violence, economic instability and political despair fuel resentment and distrust. The militias are not only military entities, they are often entangled in complex socio-economic realities, where the lack of education, health and economic opportunities fuels the recruitment and the legitimacy of these groups.
### Comparison with other countries
It is interesting to compare this situation with other African countries that have experienced similar dynamics. For example, in the Central African Republic, conflicts around militias such as “Seleka” and “anti-balaka” have often fed on political accusations and instrumentalization by international or regional actors. The fragility of the state and the inability to guarantee the security of citizens open the way to transgressive non -state actors.
### Conclusion
The accusation of Jean-Pierre Bemba to Joseph Kabila highlights not only the struggle for power in the DRC, but also the mechanisms of instrumentalization of violence. The public debate that emerges around these questions is crucial for the democratic future of the Democratic Republic of Congo. While the international community observes, the truth seems to be an issue of power more than a quest for justice. The vigilance and critical reflection of Congolese citizens will be decisive to disentangle the true from the false and hope for a peaceful and stable future. The stake lies less in inflamed charges than in the ability to transform this cycle of violence into constructive and inclusive dialogues.
In this quest, Fatshimetrie.org has an essential role to play, by offering a platform for the exchange of ideas and the dissemination of objective information, thus making it possible to contribute to an informed and responsible public debate.