Since his involvement in politics, Corneille Nangaa, the former president of the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI), has not hesitated to criticize the current regime in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Recently, he made a radical decision to declare himself a political exile, asserting that he feels “threatened” by the current regime led by Felix Tshisekedi. But why does he feel threatened, and what could be the consequences of this decision for the political situation in the DRC?
In a statement to Jeune Afrique, Corneille Nangaa, who has transitioned into politics and joined the opposition against Felix Tshisekedi, explained that he made this decision as a precaution. According to him, only the absence of threats would allow him to return to his country. But what are these threats weighing on him?
In a recent press release, Nangaa denounced the recruitment of former members of the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR) within the Republican Guard. This statement prompted a response from the Minister of Communication and Media, Patrick Muyaya, who described Nangaa’s remarks as “extremely serious” and hinted that he could be called to answer for these statements before the justice system.
The Congolese government denies any collaboration with the rebels and rejects accusations that it supports the FDLR to destabilize neighboring Rwanda. However, by suggesting any collaboration between Kinshasa and the FDLR, Nangaa lends credence to Rwanda’s accusations. Some see this as a strategy of “demonizing” Felix Tshisekedi on the eve of the elections.
It should be noted that Corneille Nangaa had declared Felix Tshisekedi the winner of the December 2018 presidential election, results contested by the Catholic Church and Martin Fayulu, who claim that the true winner was the latter. Nangaa now believes that the current regime has “failed” and calls on Felix Tshisekedi to “assume the consequences.”
Nangaa’s decision to become a political exile raises many questions about the political future of the DRC. What will be the repercussions of this decision on the opposition and the current regime? How will it affect the credibility of the government and the international image of Felix Tshisekedi? Is it a sign of increasing political polarization in the country?
It is essential to closely monitor the development of this situation and understand the motivations and consequences of Corneille Nangaa’s actions. The DRC is going through a crucial period in its political history, and every decision and statement can have significant repercussions on the future of the country.
