Jean-Marc Kabund, a former ally of President Felix Tshisekedi and a key opposition figure, was released on Friday, ending his imprisonment over allegations of contempt for the head of state.
His lawyer, Ghislain Mwanji, confirmed his release but did not provide further details. The judicial ministry also verified that Kabund was no longer in custody. According to a representative from the President’s Office, Kabund was granted a presidential pardon.
Kabund’s political troubles began in 2022 after he fell out with Tshisekedi. Once a trusted ally and the former vice president of parliament, Kabund decided to break away and form his own political party. His decision to oppose the president led to his arrest in August 2022, and he was sentenced to seven years in prison.
His imprisonment was widely criticized, with Kabund himself arguing that it was an example of how Congolese institutions were being used to silence political opponents.
Human Rights Watch was among the groups that condemned his incarceration, viewing it as part of a pattern of repression against opposition figures. The organization pointed out that the government had become increasingly hostile to dissenting voices, and Kabund’s case highlighted the shrinking space for political opposition in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Kabund’s release comes at a time when Tshisekedi’s administration is under growing pressure due to the worsening conflict in the eastern part of the country.
The M23 rebels, who are believed to have backing from Rwanda, recently captured two major cities. This has raised concerns that the fighting could escalate into a larger conflict, further destabilizing the region.
The government’s failure to contain the situation has fueled criticism, with some opposition figures openly questioning Tshisekedi’s ability to maintain control.
The instability has led to growing skepticism about the president’s leadership, both politically and in terms of national security.
Kabund’s role in Tshisekedi’s rise to power was significant, making their fallout even more revealing of the weaknesses in the country’s leadership.
His decision to challenge the president and the harsh punishment he received showed the extent to which political battles in the DRC could lead to severe consequences.
While his release may be seen as an attempt to ease political tensions, it does not erase the deep divisions within the country’s leadership.
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