Speaking in an interview with Grand Lacs News on YouTube, Nangaa was asked about his relationship with Kabila, who has been residing in territory controlled by the AFC/M23 alliance, as well as the role the former president could play in addressing the DRC’s current political crisis.
Nangaa argued that in many countries, former heads of state are regarded as valuable national assets whose experience continues to benefit their nations long after they leave office.
“In other countries, a former head of state is considered a national asset. Look at how former presidents are treated in Kenya, Ghana and South Africa. They continue to contribute to their countries and are respected for their experience,” he said.
He said the DRC has failed to make full use of the expertise of its former leaders, adding that Kabila’s years in office have given him unique knowledge that could help the country overcome its current challenges.
Nangaa also questioned why African countries often rely on former foreign presidents to mediate conflicts while overlooking their own former leaders, who have a better understanding of the political and historical realities on the ground.
“When mediation efforts are launched, former heads of state from other countries are invited to help solve our problems, yet they are unfamiliar with our realities. We already have someone with that experience. Why not make use of him?” he wondered.
On his relationship with Kabila, Nangaa said they maintain a strong working relationship and insisted that the former Congolese president deserves respect.
“We have a very good relationship. He is our former head of state and former president, and he deserves respect,” he said.
Nangaa further argued that Kabila continues to wield significant influence in Congolese politics.
“Does he still have influence? The answer is yes,” he said.
He added that Kabila’s 18 years in office placed a responsibility on him to contribute to the country’s future, expressing hope that the former president would take part in efforts aimed at restoring peace and stability in the DRC.
Responding to reports of divisions within the AFC/M23 alliance, Nangaa dismissed suggestions of a serious rift, saying any disagreements that may exist are limited to individual members and do not affect the unity of the movement.
“M23 and AFC are not two separate entities,” he said.
Nangaa’s remarks come despite a ruling by the DRC’s High Military Court in September 2025, which found Kabila guilty of involvement in the conflict in the eastern part of the country and sentenced him to death.
His comments also come as President Félix Tshisekedi prepares what he has described as inclusive national dialogue aimed at bringing together Congolese stakeholders to discuss the country’s future.
However, reports indicate that representatives of the AFC/M23 alliance and former President Joseph Kabila are not expected to participate in the talks.
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