Former Congo President Accused of Harboring Islamist Militants

Former Democratic Republic of Congo President Joseph Kabila has rejected accusations from neighboring Uganda that he provided refuge for an Islamist militant group and allowed it to expand and exploit mineral resources. Kabila held the presidency from 2001 to 2019, before being succeeded by current President Félix Tshisekedi. Last week, Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni stated that Kabila allowed the Allied Democratic Forces, which has pledged allegiance to the ISIS extremist group, to establish large camps and engage in gold mining, timber selling, and other economic activities. Kabila stated in a Reuters statement that "the false, baseless accusations by President Museveni, who is one of the main destabilizing factors in the region, are absurd and aim to distract and divide the Congolese people." Barbara Nzimbi, Kabila's spokesperson, mentioned that the Congolese government he led declared the group a terrorist organization and informed the international community, including the United Nations, about "the violations committed by the Allied Democratic Forces and the necessity for intervention." She pointed out that "these international organizations have rejected the 'terrorist' classification put forth by the Congolese government. It is time to acknowledge that Joseph Kabila was right and that urgent intervention was necessary."