Speaking on the TV5 French TV station, Félix Antoine Tshisekedi gave a roundup of the current situation of the Rassemblement opposition coalition, one year on. He took the opportunity to once again issue an ultimatum to President Kabila to step down by end of 2017.
In terms of achievements, Félix Tshidekedi assured that the Rassemblement was still standing, a year on after the creation, in Genval (Brussels), of this mega-coalition of Congolese political forces. He nevertheless conceded that the demise of historic opposition leader Etienne Tshisekedi, in February, and that of Charles Mwando Nsimba, another heavyweight opposition leader, dealt a blow to the coalition.
“It is true that not only the death of Etienne Tshisekedi, but also that of Charles Mwando Nsimba, two key leaders of the Rassemblement…these two losses have dealt us a serious blow. But I believe we stand strong…In the Rassemblement we are talking about nine political platforms, even ten today, and these platforms are all strong” Félix Tshisekedi told TV5.
One year after its creation, the coalition has not just suffered the demise of two of its leaders, it has also see some of its key members defecting to join the regime. Such is for instance the case of Bruno Tshibala, the current Prime Minister. Felix downplayed the defections saying they have not undermined the cohesion of the coalition.
With regard to the burial of his father Etienne Tshisekedi, Félix noted that the burial site is now known. However the date remains to be agreed upon. Etienne Tshisekedi will be buried in a property belonging to the family and located in the outskirts of Kinshasa.
As for the insecurity undermining peace in the Kasaï, Félix blamed it on what he termed “scorched earth policy” by the regime to indefinably delay the holding of polls.
Félix concluded promising that the Rassemblement will better reorganise during its next assembly meeting to ensure polls are held in 2017.
“Not a single day more in power will be allowed to Kabila in 2018” Félix stressed.