Former Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) President Joseph Kabila has returned to the country after nearly a year in self-imposed exile, arriving on Friday in the conflict-ridden city of Goma—currently under the control of the Rwanda-backed M23 rebel group. His surprise appearance in the eastern region, confirmed by close aides and a rebel official, has reignited controversy and deepened speculation about his alleged ties to the insurgents.
Kabila’s return, the first since he left the DRC in 2023, was described by his inner circle as part of an initiative “to participate in peace efforts” in the embattled eastern provinces. The visit to Goma, a key strategic city captured by M23 forces earlier this year, comes amid ongoing violence that has displaced millions and left thousands dead.
“Joseph Kabila came back to contribute to the search for peace,” said one of his aides, speaking on condition of anonymity. “There are too many external players talking about Congo’s future without involving the Congolese themselves. This is not acceptable.”
Controversial Comeback Raises Tensions
The former president’s return has sparked sharp debate in Congolese political and diplomatic circles, with analysts warning that his presence in rebel-controlled territory could further inflame tensions between the government and M23 fighters.
Christian Moleka, a political analyst with the Kinshasa-based think tank Dypol, said Kabila’s reappearance in Goma could have a “detonating effect” on an already volatile situation.
“Many believe that Kabila has long-standing connections with the M23 movement. His decision to show up in Goma—under rebel control—will only reinforce those suspicions,” Moleka noted. “It complicates the current ceasefire talks and could derail ongoing diplomatic efforts.”
Last year, President Félix Tshisekedi publicly accused Kabila of colluding with M23 rebels and “preparing an insurrection” aimed at destabilizing the country. Kabila has denied any involvement with the group, but the accusations have lingered, contributing to growing divisions within the Congolese political elite.
M23’s Rapid Advance and the Human Toll
The DRC’s eastern conflict sharply escalated in early 2024, when M23 fighters launched a renewed offensive, seizing Goma in January and later capturing the nearby city of Bukavu in February. Their swift territorial gains have displaced over 7 million people and led to the deaths of more than 3,000 civilians and combatants, according to humanitarian agencies.
Goma, located near the Rwandan border, holds strategic significance due to its proximity to mineral-rich zones and key transport routes. The city has been under rebel control since early this year, and efforts to retake it by government forces have so far failed.
The United Nations and African Union have repeatedly condemned the violence and called for a ceasefire. Rwanda, widely accused of backing the M23 rebellion, has denied involvement, although regional intelligence reports suggest otherwise.
Peace Talks in Doha Face New Challenges
Kabila’s return coincides with fragile peace negotiations being brokered in Doha, Qatar, where representatives from the Congolese government and the M23 have met under the mediation of Gulf and African diplomats.
The talks are aimed at reviving a 2013 peace deal both sides claim the other has violated. Despite some progress, trust remains low, and Kabila’s sudden appearance in Goma is seen by many as a potential obstacle to further dialogue.
“Right now, the focus is on de-escalation and rebuilding trust,” said a source close to the Doha negotiations. “The former president showing up in a rebel-held city at this stage only complicates those efforts.”
There has been no official comment from the Congolese government regarding Kabila’s return. However, insiders suggest Kinshasa is monitoring the situation closely and weighing its next steps.
Unclear Agenda, High Stakes
While Kabila has yet to issue a public statement, aides say he intends to address Goma residents soon, though no date has been confirmed. His precise plans remain unclear, and it is not known how long he intends to stay in the eastern city.
“Kabila believes it is time for Congolese to take the lead in solving their own problems,” said another close associate who accompanied him on the trip. “He’s not here to make war—he wants peace. But peace that comes from within, not imposed from outside.”
Observers remain skeptical, citing the timing and location of the former president’s return. “If Kabila truly wanted to support peace, why not go to Kinshasa or Bukavu? Why Goma, and why now?” asked analyst Moleka. “The symbolism is powerful—and dangerous.”
Kabila’s Legacy and Political Future
Joseph Kabila ruled the DRC from 2001 to 2019, succeeding his father, Laurent Kabila, after the elder was assassinated. He became president at just 29 and remained in power for 18 years, extending his term beyond its official end in 2017 by delaying elections until 2018.
After stepping down following a contentious election that brought Félix Tshisekedi to power, Kabila faded from public view and eventually left the country in 2023, spending time in South Africa and other African nations. His return has now thrust him back into the spotlight.
Some believe Kabila may be preparing for a political comeback, perhaps seeking to position himself as a unifying figure amid Congo’s worsening security crisis. Others see his return as part of a broader power struggle with the current administration.
Either way, his presence in Goma is likely to have significant implications for both the ongoing conflict and the broader political landscape in the DRC.
Conclusion
The return of Joseph Kabila to a rebel-occupied city in eastern Congo has added a dramatic twist to an already complex and deadly conflict. While his allies insist he is seeking peace, the optics of his arrival in M23-controlled Goma—amid treason accusations and a fragile ceasefire process—suggest a much deeper and more volatile political game at play.
As negotiations continue in Qatar and millions of Congolese remain caught in the crossfire, the country now faces a renewed test of its unity, leadership, and prospects for peace.
