Joseph Kabila, the former president of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), has reportedly arrived in the eastern city of Goma, according to statements made by officials from the rebel group AFC/M23. However, Kabila himself has not publicly confirmed his presence in the city.
The spokesperson for AFC/M23, Lawrence Kanyuka, made the announcement through a post on social media, stating, “We wish him well in the liberated areas.” Col. Willy Ngoma, the M23 military spokesperson, also confirmed Kabila’s arrival, referring to him as “the people’s soldier.”
Corneille Nangaa, the political leader of the AFC/M23 coalition, issued a statement welcoming Kabila’s return to the country. “He made the right decision by choosing to return rather than remain in exile,” said Nangaa. He emphasized that Goma represents a part of DRC “free from political persecution, death sentences, and unjust prosecutions.”
This development comes just weeks after rumors first surfaced that Kabila had entered Goma. The Kinshasa government responded swiftly by launching legal proceedings against him, including requests to seize his assets and disband his political party, the PPRD (Parti du Peuple pour la Reconstruction et la Démocratie).
Kabila condemned these actions as hasty and politically motivated. “These were rushed decisions by the government, aimed at dismantling my party and targeting my assets,” he said.
Last week, the DRC Senate—where Kabila holds a lifetime senatorial position—lifted his parliamentary immunity following a request from the military prosecutor’s office. Authorities are seeking to prosecute him on charges including treason and collaboration with the M23 group, which Kinshasa classifies as a terrorist organization.
The accusations gained momentum after President Félix Tshisekedi publicly claimed in February that Kabila was the “true mastermind” behind the ongoing conflict in eastern DRC. In response, Kabila, speaking from South Africa in March, denied any involvement. “If I were supporting M23, the situation would be drastically different today,” he told journalists.
Now aged 53, Kabila had not returned to DRC since late 2023, citing academic engagements in South Africa. In a recent address, he reiterated his commitment to the country, saying, “As a soldier, I swore to protect the nation, even at the cost of my life. Though I am no longer in power, I remain more loyal to that oath than ever before.”
Kabila’s alleged return could have significant implications for the fragile political landscape in DRC. As a former head of state with substantial political influence and loyal supporters, his presence inside the country is likely to unsettle the current government.
If Kabila openly backs AFC/M23, it could further complicate ongoing peace negotiations led by the United States and Qatar. Though he has expressed interest in helping to resolve the conflict in eastern DRC, it remains unclear whether he intends to support the rebel group, promote peace talks, or pursue other political ambitions.
Some analysts suggest that Kabila’s renewed ties with Corneille Nangaa—his former ally and current AFC/M23 leader—may reinforce Kinshasa’s long-standing accusations that he is behind the rebel movement.
After taking office in 2019, President Tshisekedi reportedly refused to uphold a secret power-sharing agreement allegedly made with Kabila prior to the elections. Nangaa, who once served as head of the DRC’s electoral commission, later confirmed the existence of such a deal. The Tshisekedi administration, however, has denied these claims.
