Suited and booted: How Joseph Kabila went from president to rebel leader

Joseph Kabila’s political career has followed an unusual arc: he was a commander in the rebel alliance that brought his father to power in the Democratic Republic of Congo in 1997, later succeeded him as president, and is now described as a rebel leader once again.

From commander to president

Kabila first rose to prominence through his role in the rebel alliance that helped install his father in power. That early military and political position was followed by a move to the country’s highest office, as he succeeded his father as president of the Democratic Republic of Congo.

A return to rebellion

At the age of 55, Kabila is again identified as a rebel leader. The shift places him back in the role through which he first became prominent, after his time as head of state.

The account underscores the striking change in Kabila’s public position, from commander in a movement that brought his family to power, to national leader, and then back to rebel leadership.