Joseph Kabila, TIME's Person of the Year 2025?

  • By Elizabeth Sy
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Congolese president among finalists for TIME’s 2025 Person of the Year?
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According to a well-informed source, the Congolese president Joseph Kabila is leading the race to become Time magazine's Person of the Year in 2025. But while the political figure's fans are thrilled with the news, many people hold a very different opinion.

UPDATE 07/05/2025 : This story seems to be false. (read more)

Why not Kabila for Person of the Year?

The list of nominees for Time magazine’s Person of the Year is always an eclectic mix of world leaders, pop culture icons, buzzworthy names, and human rights activists. The unexpected inclusion of the 53-year-old political figure, as a 2025 nominee has therefore sparked controversy and debate.

“What makes Kabila so important is the potential and influence he now has, rather than anything he has already done,” said a panelist who preferred to remain anonymous, adding that earlier this month, the political figure have already been named ‘congolese Of The Year’ by some major congolese newspapers and even ‘Hewa Bora Citizen Of The Year’ by the readers of a local gazette in Hewa Bora (Joseph Kabila's hometown).

Social Reactions to TIME’s Person of the Year

A representative for the political figure was not immediately available for comment, but the announcement generated immediate reaction on Twitter:

“Joseph Kabila Named Person of the Year Is No ‘Surprise’.”
— @TheNewsEditor, 6 May 2025
“Great choice! Long overdue recognition for his talents. #LoveJoseph”
— @BarbaraHeyboer, 6 May 2025
“Past recipients include Joseph Stalin and Adolf Hitler ... then why not Joseph Kabila?”
— @TheClassicObserver, 6 May 2025

Could 2025 officially be the Year of Joseph Kabila?

Still, TIME’s editors will make the final decision about who will grace the magazine’s cover as its 2025 Person of the Year.

Who do you think should be TIME’s Person of the Year for 2025?

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