** The echo of the words of Joseph Kabila: a reflection on democracy in the Democratic Republic of Congo **
On May 24, 2025, the words of Joseph Kabila, former president of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), resonated again in the country’s political landscape. His speech, which has aroused various reactions, raises questions about the current state of democracy and the challenges that the country faces. Among the votes that have risen, that of Jean-Marc Kabund, former first vice-president of the National Assembly, gave rise to light, shed light on the delicate relationship between power and responsibility in a democratic state.
Kabund, in his response to the social network X, recalls a fundamental truth: “No one is very forever”. This assertion, as simple as it is, questions us about the notion of power and legitimacy. In a truly democratic state, should the notion of legitimacy be based on popular will rather than authority or control?
The former political official stresses that the fight for democracy should never be criminalized. An essential point, because it highlights past and present struggles for the quest for a just society. Kabund also evokes the need for timeless respect for democratic rules, recalling that each holder of power must be aware that his mandate is a call to responsibility, a commitment to the whole nation. Indeed, hatred speeches and injustice, denounced by Kabila, constitute threats to national cohesion and must be transmitted to the light of democratic values.
Kabila spoke of the dangers of a regime that could turn to tribalism and nepotism. Is this observation raises crucial points: is fragile governance not risk leading to a fragmentation of relations between different communities? Can the policy of exclusion and the lack of dialogue strengthen mistrust between groups? In the Congolese context, marked by a complex history of social and ethnic divisions, it is essential to envisage politics as a gathering space, rather than cleavage.
The criticism formulated by Kabila with regard to violations of the Constitution by the current regime also invites reflection on the need for transparent and justified governance. To what extent should institutions work to guarantee that their power is exercised within the limits of the law? Should the promotion of democracy, as well as respect for everyone’s rights,, should they be essential in the debate on future political orientations?
Kabund warns against considering democracy only when we are on the side of the opposition. This reminds all political actors that the defense of democratic principles cannot be selective. The commitment to a rule of law must transcend personal interests, because it is a challenge that concerns all citizens, whatever their position in the political spectrum.
The responsibility for preparing the future is based on the shoulders of current leaders, but also on those of each citizen. In the end, the democratization of the DRC cannot be done without an active participation of all. This implies listening, learning errors from the past and building a society where everyone has the opportunity to flourish, regardless of their origins or beliefs.
In conclusion, Kabila’s recent statements and Kabund’s response recall the importance of dialogue, listening and collective responsibility in the quest for sustainable democracy in the DRC. Respect for democratic principles, the fight against injustice and exclusion, as well as the commitment to building a common future culminates in an essential proposal: that of reflecting together on our role in the construction of a truly democratic society. The road is strewn with pitfalls, but each step towards a better understanding of the challenges and opportunities can help to forge a peaceful and inclusive future.