Kabila is meeting these politicians in secret, just two weeks after the Kinshasa government sentenced him to death on charges that include treason, plotting to overthrow the government, and war crimes.

According to people close to Kabila, the meeting aims to “rebuild a new political struggle” to challenge President Félix Tshisekedi’s leadership.

List of political figures attending the meeting organized by Joseph Kabila:

• Matata Ponyo Mapon, former Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of Congo, who fled to Belgium a few months ago after being sentenced to 10 years of forced labor.
• Seth Kikuni, who ran against Tshisekedi in the 2023 presidential elections.
• Franck Diongo, who has been living in exile in Belgium.
• Néhémie Mwilanya Wilondja, former chief of staff during Kabila’s presidency.
• Raymond Tshibanda, current coordinator of Kabila’s Front Commun pour le Congo (FCC).
• José Makila, former minister under Kabila’s administration.
• Richard Muyej, former governor of Lualaba Province.
• Kikaya Bin Karubi, Joseph Kabila’s special envoy.
• Patient Sayiba.

However, despite the large turnout, several major political figures were absent from Nairobi, including Moïse Katumbi, who did not attend nor send a representative despite being invited; Martin Fayulu, whose close allies claim he was never invited; as well as Jean-Marc Kabund and Delly Sesanga.