AFC/M23 coalition leader Corneille Nangaa Yobeluo has described Joseph Kabila, who served as President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) from 2001 to 2019, as a key figure who should be involved in resolving the country’s ongoing challenges. According to Nangaa, Kabila’s extensive leadership experience and deep understanding of the DRC’s history make him well positioned to contribute to efforts aimed at finding lasting solutions to the nation’s political and security crises.
AFC/M23 coalition leader Corneille Nangaa Yobeluo made the remarks during an interview with the Grand Lacs News YouTube channel when he was asked about his relationship with former President Joseph Kabila, who is currently living in an area controlled by AFC/M23, and the role he could play in addressing the DRC’s political crisis.
Nangaa argued that in many countries, former heads of state are regarded as valuable national assets whose experience continues to benefit their nations, rather than being sidelined after leaving office.
“In other countries, a former head of state is considered a national asset. Look at how former presidents are treated in Kenya, Ghana, and even South Africa. They remain valuable assets to their countries,” he said.
According to Nangaa, the Democratic Republic of the Congo has failed to make good use of the experience and institutional knowledge of its former leaders. He said Joseph Kabila is among those whose leadership experience and understanding of the country’s history could contribute to resolving the nation’s challenges.
He further noted that countries often invite former foreign heads of state to mediate in their conflicts, even though they may have limited knowledge of the local context, while overlooking their own former leaders who understand the country’s problems firsthand.
“When it comes to mediation, former presidents from other countries are often brought in to solve our problems, even though they do not know the challenges we face. Yet we already have someone who does. So why not make use of him?” Nangaa asked.
Speaking about his relationship with Joseph Kabila, Nangaa said the two maintain a good relationship and described the former Congolese president as a statesman who deserves respect for his service and experience.
“We have a very good relationship. He is our leader, a former Head of State and former President, and he deserves respect,” Nangaa said.
He also maintained that Joseph Kabila continues to wield political influence in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, adding, “Does he still have a voice? The answer is yes.”
Nangaa argued that Kabila’s many years in office give him an important responsibility in the country’s future, expressing his belief that the former president should play a role in initiatives aimed at helping resolve the DRC’s ongoing challenges.
Responding to reports of alleged internal divisions within the AFC/M23 coalition, Nangaa dismissed suggestions of a rift, saying that any disagreements are merely internal issues among members or fighters. He stressed that M23 and AFC are part of the same political and military structure.
“M23 and AFC are not two separate entities,” he said.
Nangaa made the remarks despite the fact that, in September 2025, the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s High Military Court found former President Joseph Kabila guilty of involvement in the conflict in the eastern part of the country and sentenced him to death.
His comments also come as DRC President Félix Tshisekedi is preparing what has been described as an “inclusive national dialogue” aimed at bringing together Congolese stakeholders. However, reports indicate that representatives of AFC/M23 and former President Joseph Kabila are not expected to be invited to participate.
