Former Congolese president Joseph Kabila has quietly returned to the public eye with a visit to Goma, a city currently under the control of the M23 rebel group. According to sources close to him, Kabila arrived in Goma on Sunday night to begin talks with residents, aiming to play a role in solving the deepening crisis in eastern Congo.
This move comes just a month after Kabila publicly announced his intention to help bring peace to the region. However, his arrival could complicate ongoing international peace efforts, including those supported by the United States, which has been pushing for a settlement that would open the door to major investments in Congo’s mineral-rich east.
Goma fell under M23 control in January, marking a significant advance for the group, which has seized more territory than it has at any point in its history. While Kabila has not made any official statements since arriving, three of his close associates confirmed he plans to hold consultations with Goma residents starting Wednesday. Rebel alliance leader Corneille Nangaa also claimed on social media that Kabila is in the city, though no photos or public appearances have confirmed it.
Kabila’s reported visit has added fuel to an already heated political situation. Last week, Congo’s Senate voted to remove his immunity, accusing him of backing the M23 insurgency. Government spokesperson Patrick Muyaya accused Kabila of aligning himself with Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame and suggested Kabila is trying to position himself as a rebel leader.
These accusations are serious. Kabila faces potential charges for crimes against humanity, including his alleged role in supporting M23’s violent activities and civilian massacres. The Congolese government has also moved to suspend his political party and freeze the assets of its senior leaders.
In a recent speech, Kabila denied the allegations and criticized the country’s justice system, calling it a political tool used by President Félix Tshisekedi to silence his rivals. This comes amid a breakdown in their relationship, which has been strained since the two shared power in a shaky coalition following the disputed 2018 elections.
With Washington eyeing a peace deal this summer tied to lucrative mineral deals, Kabila’s surprise reappearance could either ignite further political division or push new dialogue.
By Lucky Anyanje