According to South African publication the Sunday Times, the warning was delivered during Tshisekedi’s visit to South Africa last month as part of efforts to mediate between the two warring Congolese leaders, just two weeks before Kabila was sentenced to death in absentia for war crimes and treason.
Three sources familiar with the discussions said South Africa is now seeking a political solution with Tshisekedi’s government over the Kabila matter. The initiative follows an earlier request from Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa for Ramaphosa’s assistance in easing tensions in the region.
“There isn’t much substance to the charges, but it’s a typical African scenario; the presidents also control the courts, so they fight political battles through them,” said one senior official, quoted by the publication.
“Part of Tshisekedi’s problem is that Kabila is more popular than him. Kabila comes from an area where M23 operates, and that poses a threat. If someone as popular as Kabila goes to assist M23, it is a recipe for a coup.”
Cabinet spokesperson and minister in the presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, emphasised that South Africa’s priority is achieving lasting peace in the eastern DRC and the country as a whole.
“President Ramaphosa has already met with former president Kabila, and following that engagement, he’s meeting with President Tshisekedi. There will be other meetings with other role players. We hope to also engage with M23 to ensure all parties can find common ground,” Ntshavheni said.
Kabila, who ruled the DRC for almost two decades before stepping down in 2018, was tried in absentia in July for allegedly supporting the rebels who seized significant territory in the country’s east this year. He was accused of crimes against humanity, including involvement in civilian massacres, with the military’s auditor-general seeking the death penalty for multiple offences.
Insiders said South Africa was puzzled by the timing of the execution order, noting that Tshisekedi had previously agreed with Ramaphosa that such a move could undermine regional peace efforts. Kabila has long enjoyed a positive relationship with South Africa, where he had been living in exile until his visit this year to the eastern region controlled by the M23 rebels.
South Africa and other SADC members withdrew their troops from the DRC earlier this year to allow for a political solution following deadly clashes that led to the fall of Goma to M23.
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