Joëlle Kapompole: A Former Belgian Senator’s Journey Towards the Presidency of the DR Congo

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), with its rich history and complex political landscape, has witnessed the ascendance and decline of numerous political figures, each leaving an indelible mark on the nation’s governance and cultural fabric. Among these figures is Joëlle Kapompole, whose name is associated with resilience and progression in the realm of politics. This is evident not only in her tenure as a senator in Belgium, but also in the potential influence she has had in the DRC.

Joëlle Kapompole, born to a Rwandan father and a Congolese mother, represents the intertwined destinies of the Great Lakes region. Her father, Barthos Barthélémy Bisengimana Rwema, was a man of considerable influence, having served as the chief of staff to Mobutu Sese Seko, the long-standing leader of what was then Zaire. His role was not merely administrative; it was strategic, with a significant impact on the political landscape through the making of appointments and the coordination of policy. However, Joëlle’s political trajectory diverges from that of her father, forging a path defined by her own achievements and aspirations.

In Belgium, Joëlle Kapompole’s political career is defined by her tenure as a senator from 2004 to 2009, which reflects her commitment to public service and her dedication to the Socialist Party (PS). Her career is distinguished by a series of pioneering achievements. She was the first black woman to be elected to the Parliament of Wallonia and designated as a community senator. Furthermore, in 2019, she became the first woman to head the PS list in the Mons-Borinage region, thereby securing her position within the top 10 in Wallonia. These milestones are not merely personal triumphs; rather, they are emblematic of the shifting tides in a society striving for inclusivity and representation.

The discrepancy between Joëlle’s reluctance to address her father’s contentious role in the naturalisation of Rwandans in the DRC and her own commendations, including being knighted with the Order of Leopold, prompts inquiries into the dynamics of legacy and the individual’s pursuit of establishing their own trajectory. This dichotomy is further highlighted when juxtaposed with the experiences of Justine M’Poyo Kasa-Vubu, another prominent figure with a significant paternal legacy. As the daughter of Joseph Kasa-Vubu, the inaugural President of the Congo, Justine’s political activities and the obstacles she encounters, including intimidation and the pursuit of recognition, exemplify the intricacies of navigating the political landscape as a woman with a distinguished lineage.

The political narrative of the DRC is replete with examples of individuals who, despite their familial backgrounds, strive to make a mark on their own terms. The country’s future is contingent upon the ability of its leaders, such as Joëlle Kapompole and Justine M’Poyo Kasa-Vubu, to strike a balance between honoring the past and embracing progress.

As the Democratic Republic of Congo continues to evolve, the contributions of these women will undoubtedly inform the discourse on governance, identity, and the role of legacy in the pursuit of national advancement.

Barthos Barthélémy Bisengimana Rwema, who was once a trusted confidant of Mobutu Sese Seko, served as the chief of staff to the Zairian leader. It was Ordinance No. 69-096, dated 8 May 1969, that facilitated Barthos’ ascension to a position of prominence, enabling him to become a pivotal figure through whom Rwandan influence reached Congo. “Serving as chief of staff was akin to acting as the President’s primary advisor,” they assert, and Barthos fulfilled this role admirably, offering legal counsel and coordinating policy and administrative efforts across the entirety of the Republic.

Barthos played a pivotal role, handling the appointments of CEOs, managing directors, and other state enterprise agents. It appeared as though the entire administrative machinery was at his command. Nevertheless, his daughter, Joëlle Kapompole, born to a Rwandan father and a Congolese mother, Bipomba Bya Mujinga, on 23 December 1970, rarely mentions her father’s legacy.

Joëlle Kapompole: A Political Journey in Belgium

Joëlle Kapompole, a public politician in Belgium, has established a unique career trajectory. She has never openly discussed her father’s role in encouraging Mobutu to grant Rwandans nationality in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, a move that was later contested at the Sovereign National Conference-CNS. Given that she was already a Knight of the Order of Leopold as of 26 May 2014, one might inquire as to the circumstances that led to her receiving such an honour. In contrast, Justine M’Poyo Kasa-Vubu, daughter of Joseph Kasa-Vubu, the first president of the Congo, has been subjected to harassment and has yet to be received by the King of the Belgians, despite her notable intelligence and commitment.

Political Achievements and Contributions

At the age of 52, Joëlle Kapompole has already amassed an impressive political resume. She held the position of Belgian senator from 2004 to 2009 and is currently a Walloon MP and an active member of the Budget Commission in the Parliament of Wallonia. She serves on the boards of the Walloon Society of Social Market Economy (SOWECSOM) and the Social Economy Consulting Agency (ECOMONS). Her roles have included those of municipal councillor in Mons, chair of the Intercommunale de Sanubrité publique du Hainaut (ISPH), and leader of the board of VALODEC, a sorting centre in Mons.

It has been suggested that when Félix Tshilombo Tshintuntu, the current president of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, alluded to the potential for a female successor, the name of Joëlle Kapompole was mentioned in connection with the post. It is possible that Belgium is positioning itself to facilitate Joëlle’s ascension to a position of influence in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

The Beginning of a Political Career

Joëlle’s involvement in politics commenced in November 1999, when Elio Di Rupo, the newly elected president of the PS, appointed her as the chairperson of one of the party’s study centre commissions. Her objective was to prepare for the PS Congress of Renewal in the autumn of 2000, with a particular focus on social economy.

The Belgian-Kongo Connection

However, in the complex web of international relations, it is crucial to maintain a close observation of Belgium. As the adage states, “Keep a close watch on the milk on the fire.” Individuals such as Louis Michel, who employ a cunning and strategic approach, are often observed to be involved in such matters. The Constitution of Liège, drafted by Belgians and imposed on Congo, serves as a testament to Belgium’s enduring influence. The authors of the Constitution of Liège, all Belgian nationals, included Nicolas Banneux, Marc Bossuyt, and others. However, there were two Congolese Belgians who were not involved in its drafting: Additionally, Bob Kazadi Kabamba and Evariste Boshab merit mention.

Despite Félix Tshilombo Tshintuntu having sworn an oath of allegiance to this Belgian-crafted constitution on two occasions, it remains unchanged. Furthermore, when Criminal Paul Kagame, the Rwandan autocratic leader, refers to Étienne Tshisekedi Wa Mulumba as his father, it serves to illustrate the intricate network of regional criminal politics, with Joëlle’s mother, Bipomba Bya Mujinga, being a Luba Kasaïenne.

We observe Joëlle Kapompole in the company of her handler from the notorious Rwanda intelligence services.

It is therefore in Belgium’s interest to maintain its international standing, which requires the retention of Congo as a valuable strategic asset. Furthermore, should any issues arise, the strategy seems to be to create them and ensure that Belgium always has a role to play. As the adage goes, “Keep your friends close, but your collaborators closer.”

In conclusion, Joëlle Kapompole’s political journey offers an intriguing insight into the interconnectivity of European and African politics. Her potential ascension to the presidency of Congo would not only mark a significant milestone in her career but also reshape the intricate political dynamics between Belgium and Congo. As the world observes, the question remains: could Joëlle Kapompole become a conduit between two continents, influencing the future of Congo while carrying the legacy of her father?

The political landscape of the DRC and its diaspora can be described as a mosaic of histories, ambitions, and the relentless pursuit of progress. The lives of figures such as Joëlle Kapompole and Justine M’Poyo Kasa-Vubu serve to illustrate the potential for positive change when individuals are able to transform the weight of legacy into a driving force for advancement. Their experiences are not merely accounts of individual success; rather, they represent pivotal moments in the ongoing narrative of a nation’s journey towards a more inclusive and equitable future.

Joram Jojo