Former President of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Joseph Kabila, has returned to the country after more than a year in self-imposed exile. He arrived in Goma, a city currently under the control of M23 rebels.
According to individuals close to Kabila, he came back to support peace efforts in the eastern region, which has been plagued by violence and instability. The conflict intensified earlier this year, with rebels capturing Goma in January and the nearby town of Bukavu in February. The fighting has left thousands dead and displaced millions.
Kabila, who governed Congo from 2011 to 2019, is expected to address residents of Goma, though details of his visit and its duration remain unclear. His return has sparked mixed reactions, with some viewing it as a potential move toward peace, while others worry it could further escalate tensions.
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There have been longstanding accusations linking Joseph Kabila to the M23 rebellion, which he has denied. Current President Félix Tshisekedi previously accused him of collaborating with the rebels to destabilize the country. Efforts to restart peace talks continue, with recent meetings held in Qatar.
Observers say Kabila’s reappearance could significantly impact Congolese politics and may influence ongoing negotiations between the government and the rebels.
