Former Democratic Republic of Congo President Joseph Kabila has warned that the country faces a deepening political and security crisis, accusing the current leadership of undermining democratic institutions and failing to resolve the conflict in the east.
In a video address published on Friday through his Reconstruct the DRC YouTube channel, Kabila said conditions in the country had steadily deteriorated.
Without directly naming President Félix Tshisekedi, he criticised what he described as the concentration of political power in the presidency.
According to Africanews, Kabila accused the government of prioritising political survival over the welfare of Congolese citizens.
Kabila criticises governance in DR Congo
Kabila, who governed the country from 2001 to 2019, claimed that democratic institutions had weakened under the current administration.
He accused the leadership of encouraging nepotism, favouritism and discrimination against minority communities.
The former president also raised concerns about the management of public resources and the alleged use of state institutions for political purposes.
These accusations reflect Kabila’s assessment of the government and have not been independently established in the reporting.
Former president calls for national dialogue
Kabila also criticised the government’s approach to the continuing conflict in eastern DR Congo.
He argued that military operations alone would not resolve the country’s political and security challenges.
Instead, he called for an inclusive national dialogue involving political groups and other stakeholders.
Kabila said negotiations were essential to restoring peace, rebuilding national unity and strengthening democratic institutions.
He also referred to mediation initiatives involving the African Union, regional organisations and international partners.
In May 2025, Kabila presented a 12-point proposal aimed at addressing the country’s political and security problems.
The plan included ending the conflict, restoring state authority, reconciling communities, disarming armed groups and securing the withdrawal of foreign troops.
Tshisekedi government launches separate dialogue
Kabila’s remarks come as President Tshisekedi pursues his own national dialogue initiative.
In August, Tshisekedi launched a process called the National Dialogue for Peace, Cohesion, and the Refounding of the State.
According to the presidency, the initiative is intended to begin with discussions at the community level before progressing to national institutions.
The government has presented the process as an effort to strengthen national unity and address the country’s challenges.
However, Kabila’s political allies have questioned its structure and called for stronger guarantees that all relevant groups can participate.
The disagreement highlights continuing divisions over how a national reconciliation process should take place.
Fighting continues in eastern DR Congo
Meanwhile, fighting continues between the Congolese armed forces and the AFC/M23 rebel coalition in eastern DR Congo.
The M23 movement has received support from Rwanda, according to United Nations reporting. Rwanda has disputed accusations concerning its involvement in the conflict.
Diplomatic initiatives involving Washington and Doha have sought to reduce hostilities and advance negotiations.
However, efforts to achieve a lasting settlement continue to face obstacles.
Kabila maintains that broader political dialogue is necessary to address the country’s divisions and restore stability.
His latest intervention adds to the debate over DR Congo’s political future as the government confronts continuing insecurity and demands for reform.