Former President Joseph Kabila has made a rare public appearance in the eastern city of Goma, currently under the control of the AFC/M23 rebels, where he met with traditional leaders and pledged his support in efforts to restore peace and stability in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Kabila, who led the country from 2001 to 2019, said the traditional leaders expressed their desire to tap into his experience and leadership to help the war-torn nation return to a path of peace and development. He affirmed his willingness to play a role in rebuilding the country.
“Today in Goma, I met with traditional leaders from North Kivu. They seek my experience to help bring peace and development,” Kabila posted on his official X (formerly Twitter) account.
This statement followed a meeting he held the previous day with leaders of various religious denominations, as part of a broader effort to consult different community groups and gather their views on the country’s prolonged crisis.
The former president, who has criticized the current administration for what he describes as weak and ineffective governance, said traditional leaders had shared key concerns with him. These included the return of displaced Congolese, the revitalization of agriculture and livestock, the eradication of corruption and authoritarian rule, and the persistent insecurity linked to mineral exploitation in the region.
“I reaffirmed my readiness to continue contributing to restoring order and making a meaningful impact in rebuilding the country,” he added.
Kabila’s return to Goma comes at a time of deepening insecurity in eastern Congo, where rebel groups have seized significant territory and violence has displaced millions. His presence in a region under rebel control is seen by some observers as politically significant.
According to sources close to the former president, he plans to continue engaging with various stakeholders, including civil society organizations and youth groups, to further inform his possible role in shaping the country’s future.
