Dictatorship Remarks Earn Congo President Ire of Kabila’s Allies
- President under fire for criticisms of system he inherited
- Spat is latest between political groups now in a coalition
Felix Tshisekedi in Washington, D.C., on April 3.
Photographer: Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP/Getty Images
Political allies of the Democratic Republic of Congo’s former leader rebuked President Felix Tshisekedi for criticizing what he said was the “dictatorial” and corrupt system he inherited on taking office.
The criticisms, made during a U.S. trip, form the latest flashpoint in the uneasy partnership between Joseph Kabila, who stepped down after 18 years, and the former opposition leader who succeeded him in January following disputed elections that marked Congo’s first-ever transfer of power via the ballot box. Kabila’s coalition secured majorities in the national and provincial parliaments, prompting the two mens’ alliances to agree on governing together.