# Joseph Kabila

> President of the DR Congo from 2001 to 2019

**Wikidata**: [Q57416](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q57416)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joseph_Kabila)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/joseph-kabila

## Summary
Joseph Kabila is a politician and former military personnel who served as the President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo from January 26, 2001, to January 24, 2019. A citizen of the DRC, he is affiliated with the People's Party for Reconstruction and Democracy and has received high national honors, including the National Order of the Leopard. His nearly two-decade leadership spanned a critical transitional period for the Central African nation, overseeing the government during times of significant conflict and political change.

## Biography
- **Born:** June 4, 1971
- **Nationality:** Democratic Republic of the Congo
- **Education:** Makerere University, PLA National Defence University, University of Johannesburg
- **Known for:** Serving as President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo from 2001 to 2019
- **Employer(s):** Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo; People's Party for Reconstruction and Democracy
- **Field(s):** Politics, Military Service

## Contributions
Joseph Kabila's most significant contribution was his tenure as the Head of State of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), a role he held for nearly 18 years. He assumed the presidency on January 26, 2001, and led the country until January 24, 2019, guiding the nation through complex post-conflict stabilization and political transitions. His administration concluded with the transfer of power to Félix Tshisekedi, marking a shift in the country's executive leadership. Additionally, his educational background includes training at major international institutions, which informed his leadership approach. He has also been recognized for his service with prestigious awards, including the National Order of the Leopard and the Order of the Republic of Serbia.

## FAQs
**When did Joseph Kabila serve as President of the DRC?**
Joseph Kabila served as President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo from January 26, 2001, to January 24, 2019.

**What educational institutions did Joseph Kabila attend?**
He attended Makerere University in Uganda, the PLA National Defence University in China, and the University of Johannesburg in South Africa.

**What awards has Joseph Kabila received?**
He has been awarded the National Order of the Leopard, the highest honor in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, as well as the Order of the Republic of Serbia.

**Which political party is Joseph Kabila affiliated with?**
He is affiliated with the People's Party for Reconstruction and Democracy, a political party headquartered in Gombe, Democratic Republic of the Congo.

**Who succeeded Joseph Kabila as President?**
He was succeeded by Félix Tshisekedi, who became President on January 24, 2019.

## Why They Matter
Joseph Kabila matters due to his extensive influence on the modern history and geopolitical stability of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the second-largest country in Africa by area. Leading a nation of over 105 million people with vast natural resources, his presidency was pivotal in navigating the DRC through the aftermath of the country's name change from Zaire and managing ongoing internal conflicts such as the Kivu conflict. His rule encompassed a period of significant demographic growth and economic development challenges within a "not-free" political climate. The end of his mandate in 2019 marked a notable moment in the country's democratic trajectory, resulting in the first peaceful transfer of power to an opposition leader, Félix Tshisekedi.

## Notable For
- Serving as President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo from 2001 to 2019.
- Holding the office of Head of State during the country's history as the DRC (post-1997).
- Receiving the National Order of the Leopard (DRC's highest honor).
- Receiving the Order of the Republic of Serbia.
- Affiliation with the People's Party for Reconstruction and Democracy (PPRD).
- Education at the PLA National Defence University in China.
- Education at Makerere University in Uganda.
- Education at the University of Johannesburg in South Africa.

## Body

### Identity and Background
Joseph Kabila, also known by the full name Joseph Kabila Kabange, is a male human and citizen of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Born on June 4, 1971, he is classified as both a politician and military personnel. His professional life has been defined by his leadership roles within the government of the DRC, a sovereign state located in Central Africa with its capital at Kinshasa.

### Education
Kabila pursued higher education at several international institutions. He attended Makerere University, a public university located in Kampala, Uganda. He also studied at the PLA National Defence University, a military education institution in China. Additionally, he is affiliated with the University of Johannesburg (UJ) in South Africa, a public university founded in 2005 that is known for its research output and large student body.

### Presidency and Political Career
Joseph Kabila's political career is highlighted by his long-term presidency. He took office on January 26, 2001, and served until January 24, 2019. This period placed him at the helm of the DRC during a time when the country was dealing with the legacy of its name change from Zaire in 1997 and facing internal conflicts, including the Kivu conflict. His presidency ended with the inauguration of Félix Tshisekedi. Kabila is associated with the People's Party for Reconstruction and Democracy (PPRD), a political party in the DRC that was established in 2002 and maintains its headquarters in the Gombe area.

### National Context of Leadership
During Kabila's tenure, the Democratic Republic of the Congo was characterized as a constitutional republic and a "not-free country" by Freedom in the World. The country, which gained independence on June 30, 1960, is the 11th largest in the world by area, spanning 2,344,858 square kilometers. It possesses immense natural resource wealth, including critical minerals like cobalt and copper, and is home to the second-largest rainforest globally. The DRC's population grew significantly during his time in office, reaching over 105 million by 2023. The nation's economy, operating with the Congolese franc, faced challenges including a low Human Development Index (HDI) of 0.479 in 2021.

### Awards and Honors
Kabila has been recognized with distinct national and international awards. He is a recipient of the National Order of the Leopard, which is the highest honor in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, established on May 24, 1966. He has also been awarded the Order of the Republic of Serbia, an order instituted by the Republic of Serbia on October 26, 2009.

### International Relations and Military Context
As a leader with military personnel training, Kabila governed a country that is a member of the United Nations (since 1960), the African Union, and the Southern African Development Community. The DRC's military and geopolitical positioning involved managing borders with nine neighboring nations, including the Central African Republic, South Sudan, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Tanzania, Zambia, Angola, and the Republic of the Congo. The country also borders Cameroon. His military education at the PLA National Defence University likely informed his approach to the DRC's defense and security strategies during a period marked by regional instability.

## References

1. [Source](http://www.presidentrdc.cd/biographie.html)
2. Virtual International Authority File
3. BnF authorities
4. Dictionary of African Biography
5. [Source](https://www.berria.eus/albisteak/161378/tshisekedi_oposizioko_hautagaiak_irabazi_ditu_hauteskundeak_kongon.htm)
6. [Source](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-59343922)
7. [Voice of America](https://www.voaafrique.com/a/joseph-kabila-obtient-un-masters-degree-à-l-université-de-johannesburg/5968624.html)
8. Encyclopædia Britannica Online
9. Brockhaus Enzyklopädie
10. Munzinger Personen
11. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
12. BBC Things
13. Quora