GOMA, Democratic Republic of the Congo – Former President Joseph Kabila has made a surprise return to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, just days after the Senate voted to strip him of his immunity, clearing the way for possible prosecution over alleged ties to the M23 rebel group.
Kabila arrived Thursday in the eastern city of Goma, which has been a flashpoint in the recent escalation of violence involving the Rwanda-backed M23 militia. The rebel group seized parts of eastern DRC earlier this year, reigniting fears of a broader regional conflict reminiscent of the deadly wars of the late 1990s.
According to AFP journalists on the ground, Kabila met with local religious leaders in Goma. Notably, M23 spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka was present during the meeting. Kabila did not issue a public statement, but the meeting has raised eyebrows given the former president’s alleged connection to the insurgent group.
Reuters, citing three unnamed sources close to the former leader, reported that Kabila also held private discussions with local residents during his visit.
The return of the ex-president, who has been living in self-imposed exile since 2023, comes as he faces the possibility of a treason trial. Earlier this month, the DRC Senate voted to lift his legal immunity following accusations that he provided support to M23 fighters — a claim Kabila has vehemently denied.
“These are arbitrary decisions with disconcerting levity,” Kabila said in a previous statement dismissing the charges.
While a member of Kabila’s entourage told AFP there is “no formal alliance” between the former president’s political camp and M23, they acknowledged both share the “same goal” — ending the presidency of Félix Tshisekedi.
The situation has further strained regional ties. The DRC government and the United Nations accuse Rwanda of supplying M23 with weapons and troops, a charge Kigali firmly denies.
Meanwhile, human rights organizations are sounding the alarm over the humanitarian toll. Amnesty International this week accused M23 fighters of committing severe abuses, including “torture, killings, and enforced disappearances,” in territories under their control.
The group warned these could constitute war crimes under international humanitarian law.
This year alone, over 700,000 people have been displaced due to fighting in eastern Congo, according to UN figures. The resurgence of M23 has heightened fears of a return to the devastating regional conflicts that previously claimed millions of lives.
As tensions mount, Kabila’s reappearance in Goma — alongside M23 representatives — is likely to fuel further political and security uncertainty in an already volatile region.
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