Global Policy Forum

During his first six months in power, the citizens of Congo's capital, Kinshasa, showed little love for President Joseph Kabila. They called him José Moke—Little Joseph—because he was young (about 30) and had become president only because his predecessor, assassinated in January, was also his father, Laurent. He grew up outside Congo and does not speak Lingala, the language of the capital. But at a recent rally José Moke uttered his first Lingala words in public, to appreciative cheers. He flashed a winning smile and hearts melted a bit.

Since taking over, Mr Kabila has pulled Congo out of its diplomatic isolation and re-engaged it in a search for peace that his father had turned his back on. As a result, a bit of life has been breathed into the peace accords signed in Lusaka in 1999. A relieved outside world seems to think that justifies overlooking Mr Kabila's undemocratic route to power.

Most western governments think the young Kabila has done other things right, too. He has liberalised the economy, lifted foreign-exchange restrictions, floated the currency and ended a diamond monopoly. He has scrapped a law regulating political parties and indicated that he wants more respect for human rights. All in all, the view is that he is better than his father and should be given a chance.

Opposition groups at home, however, some of which are armed, resent this new respectability. Jealousy? No doubt. But they can still cause trouble. For example, when the Belgian government said it would resume aid to Congo, the opposition parties joined forces for once, and accused Belgium of wanting the division of the country and undermining the Lusaka accords. They more or less backed down later, but there is still a feeling in Kinshasa, not confined to the opposition, that outsiders are too indulgent towards Mr Kabila.

One legitimate worry is that too many chums of the old Kabila are still in place, and their corrupt habits continue unchecked. Some Congolese recall the unquestioned support western governments gave to the young Mobutu Sese Seko in the 1960s, helping keep the brutal kleptocrat in power for decades. There was no alternative, it was said then, and a strong man was needed to hold Congo together. Some fear history may now repeat itself.

The critics point out that political parties must still register with the government before they may operate again, and human rights are still widely ignored. This week dozens of policemen were sent to break up an opposition press conference. Those who want democracy look forward to the national political dialogue promised in the Lusaka agreements. This should bring together the government, the unarmed opposition and the rebel groups. Mr Kabila, they argue, must be involved in this dialogue. He must also take part in a presidential election. He must not be indefinitely accepted as de facto head of state without the approval of the people.

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