In a statement that is already stirring political debate across the country, Congolese diplomat and politician Barnabé Kikaya Bin Karubi has claimed that the M23 movement was, at one point, allied with President Félix Tshisekedi’s government.
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Speaking publicly, the founding member of the People’s Party for Reconstruction and Democracy (PPRD) revealed that representatives of the M23 had spent a considerable amount of time in Kinshasa in the context of discussions with the current authorities. According to him, the negotiations eventually stalled due to disagreements on several key issues.
“They stayed in Kinshasa for a long time. They didn’t agree on a number of things, just as we ourselves don’t agree on many things,” said Mr. Kikaya.
Even more strikingly, the former diplomatic advisor to President Joseph Kabila suggested there is now a convergence of interests between his political camp and the movement group particularly in their opposition to what he called the “tyranny” and “dictatorship” of the current regime.
“Anyone who can help bring an end to tyranny and dictatorship we are ready to work with them,” he asserted, signaling a possible openness to cooperation with armed movements.
These comments come amid growing tensions in the eastern part of the country, where the M23 has been repeatedly accused of attacking the Congolese army (FARDC) and committing serious human rights abuses. The Congolese government continues to denounce Rwanda’s alleged support for the rebel group.
The revelations raise serious questions for both national and international observers. If confirmed, they could significantly shift the dynamics of both the political and security landscapes in the DRC.
As of now, neither President Tshisekedi’s government nor the M23 has issued an official response to Kikaya’s remarks.
