Kabila Accuses Tshisekedi of Violating Power-Sharing Deal as Details of Secret Agreement Emerge
Former President of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Joseph Kabila, has repeatedly accused his successor, Félix Tshisekedi, of breaching a power-sharing agreement allegedly reached prior to the 2019 transfer of power.
Tshisekedi assumed office in January 2019 following a highly contested presidential election, amid widespread claims that opposition candidate Martin Fayulu had won the vote. Allegations of electoral irregularities were also echoed at the time by Corneille Nangaa, then head of the country’s electoral commission (CENI), who has since broken ranks with Tshisekedi’s administration.
In a recent interview with The New York Times, Kabila revealed that he personally retained a copy of the agreement, claiming he feared it would be leaked if entrusted to Tshisekedi’s camp.
According to documents reportedly obtained, the agreement—signed on January 8, 2018—was framed as a pact to ensure “security and peace” in the Democratic Republic of Congo. It was concluded between Tshisekedi, representing the Cap pour le Changement (CACH) coalition, and Kabila, leader of the Front Commun pour le Congo (FCC).
Key Provisions of the Agreement
The document outlines several commitments attributed to Tshisekedi aimed at facilitating a peaceful and lawful transfer of power.
Among the most significant provisions was a guarantee of full immunity for Kabila, his family, and members of his administration. This included protection from prosecution for alleged crimes ranging from human rights abuses to economic offenses.
The agreement also stipulated that Tshisekedi would consult Kabila before making key appointments, particularly within the security services, judiciary, state institutions, and territorial administration.
Additionally, a political clause reportedly required Tshisekedi’s coalition to support an FCC-backed candidate in the 2023 presidential election.
Regional and Domestic Witnesses
The agreement was reportedly witnessed by several prominent African leaders, including Uhuru Kenyatta, Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, and Cyril Ramaphosa.
Domestic witnesses allegedly included senior Congolese military and intelligence officials, among them General Delphin Kahimbi, General Célestin Mbala, and General John Numbi, as well as other high-ranking figures within the security establishment.
Breakdown of the Deal
Despite the reported commitments, relations between the two camps have since deteriorated significantly.
Kabila himself has been sentenced to death in absentia by Congolese authorities on charges including treason—despite the alleged immunity clause. Meanwhile, Tshisekedi did not support an FCC candidate in the 2023 election, opting instead to run for and secure a second term.
The developments have deepened political divisions in the country, raising fresh questions about the legitimacy of past agreements and the fragile nature of power-sharing arrangements in the DRC.
