C64 rejects armed bid by Kabila to retake power in DR Congo
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Le Potentiel
The C64 platform and representatives of Congolese civil society reject any armed bid by Joseph Kabila, associated with the Front for the Refoundation of the Nation, to retake power. They do not rule out his participation in an inclusive national dialogue, but call on him to demonstrate his popularity through democratic means, amid persistent violence in eastern DR Congo, according to Le Potentiel.
The Congolese C64 platform rejects any armed bid associated with former president Joseph Kabila to retake power and urges him to favour democratic means. Jean-Claude Katende, Jonas Tshiombela and several leaders of the platform nevertheless support Kabila's participation in an inclusive national dialogue, reports Le Potentiel.
The C64's position comes as the Front for the Refoundation of the Nation (FRN), a politico-military movement with which Joseph Kabila is associated, is accused of being involved in violence in eastern DR Congo. On 28 October, explosive fire attributed to FRN fighters reportedly killed a five-year-old child and injured six civilians in the localities of Kangati, Mikumbi and Ngenge, in Walikale territory, according to Le Potentiel.
In South Kivu, attacks also reportedly targeted the localities of Lusheke, Lwami, Mulambi and Chigezi, in Walungu territory, on 4 November. Jean-Claude Katende's position comes after he called on Joseph Kabila to lay down his arms and as Kabila's FRN rebels were approaching Uvira on 27 October, according to the media outlet's previous reports.
