A few days ago, the former president of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Joseph Kabila, called on all opposition figures for a major gathering in Nairobi, the capital city of Kenya.
This comes shortly after the military court sentenced Kabila to death on September 30, 2025, following accusations that he was the leader of the AFC/M23 rebel movement, which has occupied several territories in eastern Congo, including the strategic cities of Goma and Bukavu.
The former president was charged with treason, crimes against humanity, and war crimes, including murder, sexual assault, torture, and insurrection. However, Kabila denied all allegations, and many observers have described the condemnation as unfounded, arguing that no concrete evidence has been presented to prove his involvement.
On October 14, 2025, a large gathering took place in Nairobi under Kabila’s leadership, bringing together numerous opposition figures for what was called the “Conclave des forces politiques et sociales sur l’avenir du pays” (Conclave of Political and Social Forces on the Future of the Country).
According to participants, the event aimed to hear different voices and propose solutions to rescue the country from what they described as a dictatorial regime.
Many opposition figures living in exile, in America, Europe, and other African countries responded to the invitation.
Over the two-day meeting (October 14–15), participants discussed key themes such as:
- an in-depth analysis of the current crisis in the DRC,
- the collective response that should emerge from the meeting,
- potential strategies to end the crisis, and
- the drafting of a final declaration.
However, several prominent opposition leaders Moïse Katumbi, Martin Fayulu, and Delly Sesanga did not attend.
“Opposition has always been diverse. I have experience in opposition politics and I know how things work,” said Jean Claude Nvemba.
“If some people think that the absence of a few leaders means failure, I want to remind them that no invitation ever gets a 100% response. Some couldn’t attend because of prior commitments, others due to passport issues. What matters is that we are here to discuss and find a solution to the national crisis.”
Nvemba also emphasized that he is among those who will never accept the division of the country, stressing the need to restore peace and rebuild the nation.
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