Joseph Kabila’s “comeback” in the DRC raises many questions about its impact on the still fragile political situation in the country. The man who led the DRC for two decades is a major player on the Congolese political scene. His return would certainly boil this political chessboard, causing a certain upheaval of political lines.
Joseph Kabila was a major player in the politico-institutional life of the DRC. He had undone and remade the politico-military establishment. With his return, he will dive into the political arena and face criticism, attacks and low blows.
But the political scene he will return to is not the same as the one he left five years ago. According to many analysts, the game is no longer the same. Since his departure, many players have changed sides. The challenge for Kabila will therefore be to ensure that his comeback is perceived and experienced as that of the last resort of the providential man.
However, the question that arises is whether his return will be enough to bring about the change long awaited by the Congolese population. The Congolese are still plagued by endemic misery and purchasing power is only getting worse. Added to this are political divisions, community crises, violence and armed conflicts, particularly in the east of the country.
In a country where the situation is so complex, the equation to clean up the political scene cannot do without a call for the political responsibility of all the actors involved.
In short, the return of Joseph Kabila to the Congolese political scene constitutes a real turning point for the country. Nevertheless, the challenge will be daunting because he will have to convince the people that his return can be a hope for the DRC in its quest for change and prosperity.