During a live Space session hosted by journalist Stanis Bujakera Tshiamala, opposition leader and former Vice Prime Minister José Makila Sumanda delivered sharp remarks on the security situation in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo and the role played by former President Joseph Kabila in this crisis.

Regarding the presence of Kabila in areas controlled by the M23 movement, Makila dismissed claims of collaboration between the ex-president and the rebel group. “No one from M23 has ever protected Kabila,” he stated, emphasizing that all civilians in North and South Kivu under M23 administration are subject to the same local security forces. “Kabila merely defended national territory during his time in office,” Makila argued, “without any personal disputes with rebel leaders Makenga or Nanga.”

The opposition figure shifted responsibility for the M23’s return to Kinshasa onto President Félix Tshisekedi. “It wasn’t Kabila who brought M23 back to Kinshasa—it was Tshisekedi,” he asserted, contending that the current president normalized relations with the movement, making any criticism of his predecessor inconsistent.

Makila drew a clear distinction between an interstate war and an externally supported rebellion. Rejecting comparisons with the Russia-Ukraine conflict, he noted that DRC is not formally at war with Rwanda. “We have Sukhoi jets and drones—why aren’t they bombing Rwanda?” he questioned, pointing to the absence of direct strikes on Rwandan soil as evidence that this is not a state-to-state conflict.

While cautious on military matters, Makila insisted on a political interpretation of events. “I am 100% political. I only speak about what I know in politics,” he concluded, refusing to engage in discussions outside his area of expertise.