Kinshasa Accuses Kabila After ‘Sudanization’ Remarks Amid Rising Political Tensions

KINSHASA, March 26, 2026 - Authorities in the Democratic Republic of Congo have strongly reacted to recent statements by former president Joseph Kabila, interpreting them as an implicit assumption of responsibility for the activities of armed groups operating in the country’s east. The controversy follows a renewed public intervention by Kabila after consultations with socio-political actors in North and South Kivu and a Nairobi-based declaration by the “Save the Democratic Republic of Congo” political initiative. The former head of state used the opportunity to criticize the governance of President Félix Tshisekedi, marking one of his most direct political interventions in recent months. In a recent interview with a Belgian media outlet, Kabila rejected the commonly used term “balkanization” to describe the security crisis in eastern Congo, instead referring to a process of “Sudanization.” He drew parallels with the historical fragmentation of Sudan, which led to the independence of South Sudan in 2011 after years of civil conflict. Government spokesperson Patrick Muyaya condemned the remarks during a briefing in Kinshasa, describing them as a “form of claim of responsibility” linked to the actions of the AFC/M23 rebellion active in eastern DRC, an armed group Kinshasa alleges is supported by Rwanda. Muyaya further argued that the timing and framing of Kabila’s statement were politically significant, suggesting they reflected an underlying agenda. He also dismissed the former president’s criticism of current governance, insisting that the present administration has prioritized infrastructure development and institutional reform, while accusing previous leadership of failing to address long-standing national challenges. The remarks come in the context of continued political mobilization linked to a conclave held in Nairobi in October 2025, where allies and political figures close to Kabila announced the formation of the “Save the DRC Movement.” The platform describes its mission as restoring democratic governance, addressing systemic crisis, and promoting national reconciliation. The initiative has accused the current government of democratic backsliding and institutional abuse, and has called for an inclusive national dialogue facilitated by religious institutions. It also rejects unilateral political processes led by the presidency. The movement, also referred to in several local languages as Tobikisa Ekolo, Tuokowe Taifa, and Tupandishayi Ditunga, has indicated plans to coordinate opposition forces and engage regional and international stakeholders regarding the situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo.