Joseph Kabila returns to DR Congo after two years in exile amid allegations of rebel ties

By The Inspirer.

Goma, DR Congo– Former President Joseph Kabila has made a surprise return to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) after two years of self-imposed exile in South Africa, arriving in the eastern city of Goma — a region currently under the control of M23 rebels.

His arrival was confirmed by both M23 rebel spokespeople and officials from his political party, the People’s Party for Reconstruction and Democracy (PPRD). The return comes just weeks after Kabila was stripped of his legal immunity by the Congolese Senate over allegations of supporting the Rwanda-backed M23 rebel movement.

Kabila, 53, who led the mineral-rich nation from 2001 to 2019 after the assassination of his father Laurent Kabila, has repeatedly denied any connection to the group. However, Congolese authorities allege there is a “substantial body of documents, testimony and material facts” linking him to war crimes and treason through collaboration with the rebels.

Innocent Mirimo, a Goma-based PPRD youth leader, welcomed Kabila’s return, describing it as a symbolic reunion between a leader and his people. “Kabila should be allowed full access to the country. For us, it is like a father has returned to his children,” he told BBC Swahili.

M23 rebel spokespersons also welcomed the ex-president’s arrival. Lawrence Kanyuka posted on social media platform X, formerly Twitter, saying: “We wish him a pleasant stay in the liberated areas.” Another rebel figure, Willy Ngoma, echoed the sentiment.

The move adds further tension to the already fragile political and security situation in the DRC. In recent months, the M23 has advanced significantly across North Kivu province, capturing large swathes of territory including Goma itself in January. The fighting has displaced hundreds of thousands, further aggravating a humanitarian crisis in the east.

Last month, authorities in the capital Kinshasa banned the PPRD, accusing the party of having an “ambiguous attitude” toward the M23’s territorial gains. The government alleges Kabila’s ties to the group are part of a broader scheme to destabilize the current administration led by President Félix Tshisekedi, with whom Kabila has had a strained relationship since handing over power in 2019.

In a video statement uploaded to YouTube last Friday — and since deleted — Kabila accused the government of sliding into dictatorship and claimed there has been a “decline of democracy” under Tshisekedi’s leadership. Government spokesperson Patrick Muyaya dismissed the criticism, stating Kabila “has nothing to offer the country.”

The M23 initially emerged in 2012, claiming to defend the rights of Congolese Tutsis. Although a peace deal was signed in 2013, the group resumed fighting in 2021, alleging the terms of the agreement were never honored.

Kabila’s dramatic return, especially to rebel-held territory, raises serious questions about his intentions and the future stability of the DRC. While he insists he seeks to help resolve the conflict, authorities are treating his presence with deep suspicion, with many fearing it may escalate political tensions and further embolden rebel factions.