Congolese Diaspora in South Africa Issues Demands Over DRC Destabilization

The Consultation Framework of Leaders of the Congolese Community in South Africa ("Le Cadre") has released a formal statement addressing the ongoing security challenges in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The platform, representing an estimated 300,000 Congolese nationals residing in South Africa, condemns the recently established Front for the Refoundation of the Nation (FRN), a coalition led by former President Joseph Kabila. The coalition includes armed groups such as the Congo River Alliance (AFC) and M23.

Le Cadre characterizes the alliance as a threat to national stability and cites previous instances of violence and displacement attributed to the period of Kabila's 18-year rule. The organization refers to the DRC Constitution, specifically Articles 63 and 64, which obligate citizens to safeguard territorial integrity and resist illegal attempts to seize power. The statement also acknowledges the contributions of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), operating under the Southern African Development Community (SADC), in supporting the Congolese population.

Le Cadre has articulated five primary demands:

1. Immediate cessation of subversive activities by Joseph Kabila, with a call for him to face domestic legal proceedings.

2. Rejection by the DRC government of any political, administrative, or military integration of members of FRN, AFC, or M23.

3. Implementation of targeted international sanctions by South Africa, including asset freezes and travel bans against individuals involved in activities perceived as terrorism against the DRC.

4. Enforcement of asylum regulations by SADC member states, denying refugee or political asylum status to individuals linked to armed subversion, in accordance with the 1969 OAU Convention.

5. Decisive action from the African Union to issue sanctions against leaders of the FRN and external entities facilitating unauthorized resource extraction and regional instability.

The statement concludes with continued support for President Félix Antoine Tshisekedi's national dialogue initiative, emphasizing the necessity for accountability, regional cooperation, and strict adherence to legal processes to achieve lasting stability in the DRC.