During a recent public discussion, the opposition figure and former Vice-Prime Minister, José Makila Sumanda, expressed a series of firm stances regarding the security crisis in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo and the controversial role attributed to former President Joseph Kabila.

Addressing rumors about Joseph Kabila’s presence in territories held by the M23, Makila dismissed claims of collusion between the former head of state and the rebel group. He argued that no M23 elements have provided personal security for Kabila, noting that the entire population in North and South Kivu living under M23 administration is subject to the same forces currently on the ground.

According to Makila, Joseph Kabila focused on protecting the nation’s territorial integrity during his tenure and never maintained personal ties with rebel leaders like Makenga or Nanga. He questioned why the former president is being criticized now that he no longer holds the responsibility for national defense.

Accusations against the current administration

The opposition member shifted the blame for the M23’s resurgence onto President Félix Tshisekedi. He contended that it was not Kabila who brought the M23 back to Kinshasa, but rather Tshisekedi himself. Makila suggested that the current administration’s attempts to normalize relations with the movement make any accusations against his predecessor inconsistent.

Regarding the nature of the conflict, Makila made a sharp distinction between a formal inter-state war and an externally backed rebellion. He rejected comparisons to the Russia-Ukraine conflict, pointing out that the Democratic Republic of Congo has not officially declared war on Rwanda. He raised questions about the military strategy, asking why the nation’s Sukhoi jets and drones are not targeting Rwandan territory if a state-to-state war truly exists.

Makila concluded by emphasizing that his perspective is strictly political. He maintained that his analysis is based on his experience in the political sphere and declined to comment on specific military technicalities beyond his expertise.