** The question of the lifting of the immunities of Joseph Kabila: issues and perspectives **
The debate around the lifting of the immunities of the former president and senator for life Joseph Kabila, reported during a recent press conference by Florimond Muteba, president of the Observatory of Public Expenditure (ODEP), raises complex questions within Congolese society. Muteba expressed his opposition to this procedure, highlighting concerns aimed at preserving national cohesion and avoiding any institutional drift. This position deserves particular attention, as it touches the perception of justice, the rule of law and political stability in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
### Historical and political context
Joseph Kabila has ruled the DRC for almost seventeen years, a mandate marked by deep challenges, particularly in matters of governance, human rights and economic development. After transmitting power to Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi, Kabila maintained an active role in political institutions, arousing questions about the role and the future of his inheritance. The current procedure aimed at lifting your immunities could be interpreted as an act of reconciliation or, on the contrary, as a desire to fracture an already weakened political landscape.
### The position of the Odep and the implications of the lifting of immunities
Florimond Muteba pointed out that the time chosen for this request for immunities raising does not seem conducive. According to him, the precaution of not prejudging Kabila’s guilt before an effective judgment is essential to maintain a rule of law. Its mention of the alleged interventions on Kabila’s property in Lubumbashi, if proven, can indeed be perceived as an infringement of the rights of a citizen, raising questions on justice and equity.
By demanding dialogue and cohesion, Muteba recalls that the appeasement of tensions is crucial for lasting peace in the DRC. Democracy, to be effective, requires a framework where political actors, whether leaving the same camp or not, can discuss and resolve disagreements without resorting to stigma or revenge.
### Inter-Congolese dialogue: a necessity for the future
Muteba’s call to Félix Tshisekedi to start a dialogue with his predecessor deserves to be taken into account. In a country where the scars of past conflicts are still visible, promoting dialogue could be a way to build a more inclusive and more peaceful future. This could also make it possible to rebuild confidence between the various political factions, which is essential for the stability of the country.
The political maneuver which consists in invoking legal proceedings against an eminent political figure like Kabila must be approached with caution. What could appear as a judicial victory for some can quickly be interpreted by others as a political confrontation, firming the cleavages instead of appeasing them.
### to a depth reform?
The problem posed by the lifting of immunities also raises broader questions about the functioning of institutions in the DRC. How to strengthen the separation of powers and guarantee justice without becoming a tool for political manipulation? The need for deep reforms, both in the judicial and political field, seems inevitable to avoid institutional drifts, as Muteba points out. Particular attention must be paid to the way in which institutions can be used for partisan purposes.
### Conclusion
In short, the situation concerning the lifting of the immunities of Joseph Kabila could be a starting point for an in -depth reflection on justice, national cohesion and dialogue in the DRC. The journey towards a peaceful democracy will require listening to all voices, without prejudice or personal attacks, and to work together to guarantee a better future for all Congolese. In the end, peace and stability are not built on the denial of past conflicts, but rather on the ability to approach them with wisdom and respect.