“I have all the proof of Joseph Kabila’s support for the AFC rebels, the M23, and the Mobondo militia. That is why he fled the country. He went to Lubumbashi and left the territory through Zambia. He fled abroad because he knows he has been unmasked” (…) “They want to annex our country to Rwanda. So, dear young people, mobilize to defend our homeland” – Deputy Prime Minister of Transport, Jean-Pierre Bemba Gombo (05.03.2025).
Yesterday’s proclamation and statement from Bemba is a headache. As his claims of the predecessor and his possible involvement in the uprising, the rebellion and the financing of the AFC/M23. That is entangling one part of the political elite and the opposition in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The party of PPRD would get into treacherous waters. There would be bridges the party and the leaders cannot pass. As the PPRD have been the party of Kabila. That is where his planned successor was and the electoral loser in previous elections. Therefore, we can have a lot of questions, as a former ally and a man who became a leader with Kabila. Bemba is now speaking loudly and alleging Kabila’s involvement in the AFC/M23. That will cause more heartache.
If Kabila is a supporter and a part of AFC/M23 than his using his wealth and influence to tarnish and destroy the sovereignty of the current rulers in Kinshasa. That is really a dangerous act, and he could face the law for doing. There are already questions about his origins and how he rose to power. Therefore, that doesn’t help and only causes more harm, as people needs answers.
The AFC/M23 needs to be bankrolled, have financing and logistical support. That has to be done both military and politically. As they rebellion needs that to be able to strike like it does an with such well-prepared militia operation.
M23 has been well known with being a proxy militia working inside the DRC. The M23 origins are from Rwanda and Uganda. Both nations have supported, trained and given logistical support to the militia. That isn’t shocking or revealing at this point. Meanwhile, the same partners help Laurent Kabila to power and most likely helped Joseph too. Therefore, he has proximity to them as well.
So, if Bemba has proof. That should be released and be told. This has to be proved, because this is treason and acting against the sovereign nation. As the AFC/M23 are annexing and taking over territories from the DRC government itself. Just like the Courts have targeted others who are a part of the AFC/M23. The same would happen to Kabila if Bemba has evidence and proof of it.
Bemba and the government should not just allege but prove it. Words are empty without evidence or any sort of proof. It is just hearsay and the public deserves more than just this. Yes, the allegations and the coordination of Rwanda and Uganda towards AFC/M23 is historical and visible, but the idea that the predecessor is part of it too. That needs more flesh on the bone. Not just Bemba, a former ally and a man who made peace with Kabila in the past. That man has to prove this and show the world what Kabila has done, if he has done it. Until then… we can question it and wonder if it is even true. Peace.
MinBane 