Former Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) President Joseph Kabila has returned to the country after more than a year in self-imposed exile, arriving on Monday (26 May) in the eastern city of Goma — currently under the control of M23 rebels.
His arrival, confirmed by both M23 and his political allies, marks a dramatic turn in the country’s deepening political and security crisis. “We wish him a pleasant stay in the liberated areas”, M23 spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka posted on X. Kabila’s return follows the Senate’s recent decision to strip him of immunity, opening the door for possible prosecution over alleged ties to the M23 group, which the government accuses of destabilizing the region with Rwandan support. The former president, who led the country from 2001 to 2019, has denied all allegations, calling the justice system “politically manipulated.”
Reactions in Goma have been mixed. Some residents remain skeptical of Kabila’s legacy and intentions, while others hope his presence might bring attention — and possibly peace — to the conflict-ridden region. Independent analysts suggest Kabila’s return is a calculated political move, as tensions with current President Félix Tshisekedi continue to escalate. With charges of treason and war crimes pending, Kabila’s reappearance signals a volatile new phase in Congolese politics. Meanwhile, in a separate but related development, Amnesty International has accused the M23 rebels of having committed serious abuses against civilians, “including torture, killings and enforced disappearances”, in areas under their control.