DRC: handshake between Kabila and Katumbi arouses reactions and questions
Joseph Kabila and Moise Katumbi montage portraits RFI © Reuters - AP
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The handshake between former President Joseph Kabila and his rival former governor of Katanga Moïse Katumbi has sparked many reactions.
Handshake that took place on Sunday, May 22 during the closing mass of the Forum of Unity and Reconciliation of Katanga, in Lubumbashi.
The two men had been estranged for 7 years, since Katumbi, an ally of former President Kabila, resigned from his party, to join the opposition and then get closer to the current head of state Felix Tskisekedi.
Is this the beginning of reconciliation between the two men who have become rivals?
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Reconciliation between the two men from Katanga or strategic rapprochement 18 months from the next presidential election?
“
It is above all a question of a Katangese reconciliation
”, assures Vano Kiboko, of the movement Together for the Republic of Moïse Katumbi.
“
It has nothing to do with political-national reconciliation, etc.
It is a Katanga reconciliation, because we are determined to have a single language in the name of Katanga.
I tell you right away that it was not in view of the elections that we made this reconciliation.
It has nothing to do with future electoral issues.
»
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To read also: DRC: Joseph Kabila and Moïse Katumbi shake hands during a mass in Lubumbashi
Same story on the side of former President Joseph Kabila.
This reconciliation aims to guarantee the unity and development of Katanga.
Deputy Félix Kabange Numbi welcomes this and believes that “
now that the two brothers are talking to each other, their political families will also be able to talk to each other.
»
“
These two political groupings are not province-based or tribal-based political groupings, but rather have a national focus.
So, I think there is a door that is opening, an opportunity that can be seized politically, but that was not the primary objective of this handshake, which remains fraternal beyond all differences. which may exist.
»
The member who adds that in politics alliances are made and broken and that at any time they can get together to discuss.
This handshake is the sign of a regionalist alliance to conquer power, believes Peter Kazadi, deputy of the presidential party UDPS in Kinshasa, but he believes that this alliance will not convince the Congolese.
I have my doubts about their sincerity first.
But if they are sincere, it is clearly with the aim of regaining power, that is clear.
We are not afraid of a political alliance between Katumbi and Kabila.
They have already been together and they did not bring a solution to the problems of the Congolese.
It is not today that they will, because of their alliance, seduce the population.
Peter Kazadi, deputy of the UDPS presidential party in Kinshasa
Claire Fages
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To read also: Headlines: are we moving towards a rapprochement between Kabila and Katumbi?
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ground floor
Joseph Kabila
Moses Katumbi