Joseph Kabila Kabange, former President of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), has sent a special envoy to Washington, USA, to explain his political agenda—one that includes ending what he describes as the repressive regime of President Félix Tshisekedi.
Kikaya Bin Karubi, a close confidant and advisor to Kabila, has been in the U.S. for several days, having arrived from Goma.
At the same time, peace talks between Rwanda and the DRC have been ongoing in Washington ahead of a peace agreement expected next month.
Kabila, currently in Goma after returning from exile, is accused by the Congolese government in Kinshasa of collaborating with Rwanda and the M23 rebel group, which is at war with the state.
His envoy’s visit to the U.S. coincides with that of Moïse Katumbi Chapwe, another key opposition figure in Congo, who was recently hosted by the U.S. State Department.
Speaking to Jeune Afrique, Kikaya said his mission includes meetings with both chambers of the U.S. Congress, members of the National Security Council, and various U.S.-based policy influencers and human rights organizations like Human Rights Watch.
He emphasized that he is there to “explain the benefits of Kabila’s return to politics, to protect the interests of his political family, and to help the world understand the truth about the crisis the country is facing under the current regime.”
Kikaya added that the main message to the American leadership was contained in Kabila’s recent speech to Congolese citizens prior to his return.
He also revealed that he delivered Kabila’s peace proposal, which aims to end the authoritarian rule.
Kabila, who had been in exile since 2023, returned to the DRC on May 26 and immediately went to Goma, a city currently under the control of the M23 rebels.
In his pre-return speech, Kabila said his comeback was motivated by a desire to contribute to ending President FĂ©lix Antoine Tshisekedi’s authoritarian rule—the man who succeeded him in power.
His envoy told Jeune Afrique that “President Kabila’s goals align with those of the M23 rebels. They both seek to end Tshisekedi’s dictatorship.”
Following the announcement of Kabila’s return to Goma, the DRC government froze all his assets, and said he would be prosecuted for charges including treason, crimes against humanity, and association with a group aiming to overthrow the government.
Kikaya also claimed that international arrest warrants are being prepared against Kabila by the Kinshasa government.
