Former President of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Joseph Kabila, has quietly resurfaced in the city of Goma, a strategic eastern stronghold currently under rebel control, according to sources close to the former leader.
Though unconfirmed by official channels, his arrival comes just weeks after expressing interest in playing a role in restoring peace in the mineral-rich but deeply troubled region.
Kabila, who led the country from 2001 to 2019, has kept a low profile in recent years. Since late 2023, he has reportedly been living in South Africa.
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His unexpected reappearance in Goma is raising eyebrows both at home and abroad. Insiders say he landed in the city on Sunday night and is preparing to meet with local residents beginning Wednesday.
The leader of a coalition that includes the notorious M23 rebel group also acknowledged Kabila’s presence online, but the former president himself has not made any public statements.
If confirmed, the visit could pose a serious challenge to ongoing peace efforts supported by the United States and its allies. M23 rebels have recently expanded their territorial control, causing alarm in Kinshasa and among international stakeholders.
The Congolese government continues to accuse Rwanda of backing the insurgents, though Kigali insists its involvement is only a response to threats along its border.
Relations between Kabila and current President Félix Tshisekedi have grown increasingly hostile. The Senate recently voted to remove Kabila’s legal protections, allowing potential prosecution for alleged ties to rebel activities and human rights violations.
In a swift move, authorities suspended his political party and began seizing its assets, further escalating political tensions.
A government spokesperson recently suggested that Kabila’s return signals a deeper alignment with Rwandan leadership, painting him as a central figure in the ongoing unrest. Kabila, however, has pushed back on such claims, arguing that the accusations are part of a broader campaign to silence him.
Kabila first assumed office after the assassination of his father, Laurent-Désiré Kabila, and maintained power until 2019 despite widespread protests and international pressure.
His extended stay in office was marked by election delays and a fragile power-sharing deal with Tshisekedi, which eventually collapsed.
