Congo-Kinshasa: Joseph Kabila Forever - the Dangers of an Extended Presidency in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

editorial

Joseph Kabila, the president of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, faces a historic choice: Does he step down when his constitutionally limited two terms in office come to an end in December 2016, or does he succumb to the delusion of indispensability that is making the rounds in parts of Africa and try to cling to power?

The issue is the subject of intense debate in Congo. When we met with Kabila last week in Kinshasa, he pointed out -- correctly -- that he has not yet publicly stated his position about what he will do in 2016. "Let's wait and see what will happen," he cautioned. But he has done little to stem intense speculation about his possible reluctance to relinquish office.

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