Joseph Kabila is a Congolese politician who served as the President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo from 2001 to 2019. He took office after the assassination of his father, Laurent-Désiré Kabila, who was also a former president. Joseph Kabila was elected in 2006 and re-elected in 2011, overseeing a period marked by both economic growth and political challenges. During his presidency, Kabila faced criticism for his government's handling of human rights issues and political opposition. In 2018, he stepped down after a controversial election, which led to the rise of Félix Tshisekedi as his successor. Kabila's leadership was significant in shaping the political landscape of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.