In a surprise move that has stirred speculation and unease, former Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) President Joseph Kabila quietly returned to Goma on Friday after years of political exile. His arrival in a city currently under the control of M23 rebels has raised eyebrows and sparked debate over his intentions and timing.
Former Congolese President Joseph Kabila has resurfaced in the eastern city of Goma, ending a prolonged absence from public life and reigniting political discussions about his role in the ongoing conflict in the region. His return on Friday was marked by silence, with no major public announcement or official reception — a sharp contrast to the fanfare that typically accompanies such high-profile political figures.
The choice of Goma as the location for his re-emergence is significant. The city, located in North Kivu province, has been under the control of the M23 rebel group since January. The region remains a flashpoint in the country’s long-running conflict, with accusations of foreign interference, internal power struggles, and humanitarian crises all playing out on the ground.
A city on edge
Goma residents were quick to react to the former president’s return, with reactions ranging from cautious optimism to outright suspicion.
“People are confused. Some think he’s here to negotiate peace, while others believe he has ulterior motives,” said Pascal Munyaneza, a local civil society leader. “Given the current instability, his presence here — without clear explanation — only adds to the tension.”
Kabila himself offered little clarity, telling a small group of reporters, “I am here to contribute to peace,” but refusing to elaborate on what that would entail. His vague statement has done little to dispel speculation about his political ambitions or his potential links to armed groups operating in the east.
A complicated past
Kabila served as president of the DRC from 2001 to 2019, taking power after the assassination of his father, Laurent-Désiré Kabila. He was a central figure during one of the most tumultuous periods in the country’s history, presiding over elections, wars, and political reforms — many of them heavily criticized by opposition groups and international observers.
Though Kabila officially stepped down in 2019, handing power to President Félix Tshisekedi after a disputed election, the two leaders’ relationship quickly deteriorated. What began as a fragile power-sharing arrangement collapsed within a year, with Tshisekedi accusing Kabila and his allies of undermining his administration.
In the years since, Kabila had largely retreated from public view, reportedly spending time in South Africa and other neighboring countries.
Accusations and political baggage
His reappearance in Goma has revived long-standing accusations from various quarters, including the current government, that he has ties to rebel groups destabilizing eastern Congo. Kabila has consistently denied any involvement with insurgent forces, including the M23 — a militia that first gained notoriety over a decade ago and resumed hostilities in 2021.
“There is a pattern of behavior that cannot be ignored,” said Jean-Pierre Lumbala, a political analyst based in Kinshasa. “Kabila has always had strong networks in the east, and the timing of his return — when the government is trying to contain M23 — is more than just a coincidence.”
Government officials have so far remained tight-lipped about Kabila’s return. However, insiders within President Tshisekedi’s administration have expressed concern that his presence could further complicate peace negotiations and exacerbate tensions in an already volatile region.
Local fears and hopes
On the ground in Goma, where thousands of residents have been displaced by the recent fighting, many are watching Kabila’s return with mixed emotions.
“We don’t want more political games,” said Rose Kavira, a displaced mother of three living in a temporary shelter on the city’s outskirts. “If Kabila can bring peace, then fine. But we’ve heard these promises before.”
Others see his return as a potential opportunity for political reconciliation in a country still reeling from decades of conflict. “He still commands influence in certain parts of the country,” said political commentator Mbusa Kalemire. “If he genuinely wants to contribute to peace, he must speak clearly and act transparently.”
A region in crisis
The eastern DRC remains a humanitarian disaster zone. More than six million people have been displaced internally due to violence, and human rights organizations continue to report widespread abuses by both rebel groups and government forces.
The M23, which claims to fight for the rights of the Tutsi minority in Congo, has been accused of massacres, mass displacement, and the occupation of key territories in North Kivu. The DRC government has repeatedly accused neighboring Rwanda of supporting the group — a charge Kigali has denied.
Amid this volatile backdrop, Kabila’s return could either serve as a catalyst for dialogue or a flashpoint for renewed instability.
What comes next?
Kabila has made no official announcement regarding a return to active politics or any new political initiative. His party, the People’s Party for Reconstruction and Democracy (PPRD), has also remained silent. However, political insiders believe his next moves will be closely watched both locally and internationally.
“There is a lot at stake,” said diplomat Charles Mbayo, who has worked in the Great Lakes region for over two decades. “This is not just about one man. It’s about the power dynamics of a fragile country trying to navigate its way out of chaos.”
As speculation continues to swirl, one thing is clear: Joseph Kabila’s quiet return has reignited a national conversation about accountability, leadership, and the road to peace in a region that has known far too little of it.
