DR Congo suspends ex-President Kabila’s party over alleged M23 links
Al JazeeraAPR 21
DRC Suspends Ex-President Kabila's Party Over Alleged Rebel Ties
Above: Felix Tshisekedi's campaign poster is seen in front of an old billboard depicting the former President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo Joseph Kabila in Kinshasa, DRC on Nov. 19, 2023. Image copyright: Arsene Mpiana/Contributor/AFP via Getty Images
The Spin
Pro-government narrative
The government's actions against Joseph Kabila and the PPRD are necessary to protect national security and sovereignty in the face of betrayal. His return through rebel-held territory demonstrates collusion with enemies of the state, and his silence on the Rwandan-backed M23 insurgency reveals his complicity in their aggression. These actions are tantamount to high treason and demand swift justice.
Opposition narrative
The suspension of Joseph Kabila's party represents a flagrant violation of the DRC's constitution and democratic principles. Kabila's return is motivated by a genuine desire to resolve the country's political and security crisis after his voluntary withdrawal from public life. The accusations against him appear to be politically driven attempts to silence opposition and suppress dissent.