Democratic Republic of the Congo: Kabila asserting political primacy

Summary: The Congo president’s recent national address — affirming a defense of the country’s sovereignty — signals Joseph Kabila is very much asserting political control amid detractor’s calls for him to stand down from a possible reelection bid. Economic policy, including newly approved hydrocarbons drilling, is meant to reinforce necessary patronage networks. Besieged mining companies including Glencore and Randgold remain on the defensive and vulnerable to the Kabila regime’s ongoing political imperatives.  Analysis DRC President Joseph Kabila called for a national address on June 30, to coincide with the country’s 58th anniversary of independence. While some commentators were hoping the …

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