Jean-Marc Kabund, a Congolese Politician who endured a protracted prosecution for insulting President Felix Tshisekedi in 2022 has stirred more controversy by forming an opposition political party ‘Coalition of the Congolese Left (CGC)’.
According to the CGC manifesto, Kabundi intends to build a 750,000 man-strong DRC army (Forces Armées de la République Démocratique du Congo FARDC) with right to conduct pre-emptive strikes incase of any threats against the country’s sovereignty.
Launched on Wednesday June 18, Kabundi said the CGC aspires for a radical break away from the practices of the past.
“We are breaking with the disorderly proliferation of soulless political groupings, to build a solid platform, united by unshakeable principles,” said Jean-Marc Kabund.
He added, “Our goal is not to succeed the system, but to transform it in depth, from its foundations to its summit, to build a Republic serving all Congolese. We are the anti-system, bringing together only parties and Congolese men and women who share the values of the left.”
Kabund previously served as deputy and vice-president of the National Assembly. He was in 2022 sentenced to 8 years in prison for insulting President Tshisekedi.
While launching his political party, Kabundi reassured that the CGC will not be built around a providential man, but rather around credible, visionary leadership, based on a clear ideology, and a concrete governance program.
“We will participate in the public debate, present a precise ideological guide of the Congolese Left and a detailed five-year governance plan. This plan will not be a simple list of promises, but a methodical roadmap, anchored in our left-wing ideology, which will set out how we will govern,” he noted.
Kabund argues that neutralizing the current system of governance absolutely requires a profound overhaul of the State.
Kabund promised to make every effort to build a strong, disciplined and well-equipped army.
“Within ten years, we aim to equip the DRC with an armed force of between 500,000 and 750,000 troops, equipped with cutting-edge tactical military logistics. Our goal is to build a peaceful and hospitable state in the heart of Africa, but with a firm military doctrine,” he said.