Former Democratic Republic of Congo President Joseph Kabila has made his return to the nation after a two-year self-imposed exile, landing in the turbulent eastern city of Goma, according to officials from the M23 rebel group and a youth leader from his party. Kabila’s unexpected arrival follows recent actions by senators stripping him of immunity amid allegations of backing the Rwanda-supported M23 rebel faction currently clashing with the Congolese military.
Ex-DR Congo Leader's Controversial Return Sparks Political Tensions
Ex-DR Congo Leader's Controversial Return Sparks Political Tensions
Joseph Kabila's return to the DR Congo marks the beginning of turbulent political discussions and conflict allegations as he reignites his role in the country's unstable landscape.
Kabila, who governed the DR Congo from 2001 to 2019, previously denied any involvement with the rebels but has since lamented the politicization of the nation's judicial system. Leading for 18 years and succeeding his father Laurent, who was assassinated, Kabila handed over power to President Félix Tshisekedi in 2019, a transfer that later soured into conflict.
In a statement to the BBC, Innocent Mirimo, a youth leader from Kabila's People's Party for Reconstruction and Democracy (PPRD), affirmed the reports of Kabila’s return, expressing a sense of familial reunion. The PPRD recently faced a ban in Kinshasa due to its perceived neutrality regarding M23 incursions into Congolese territory. M23's rebels welcomed Kabila warmly via social media, echoing sentiments of appreciation for his presence in the "liberated areas."
Kabila stands accused by Congolese authorities of treason and war crimes, with officials asserting they possess substantial evidence of his cooperation with the M23 group. In a controversial social media post, Kabila labeled President Tshisekedi's government a "dictatorship," asserting the nation is experiencing a decline in democratic practices. Government spokesperson Patrick Muyaya dismissed Kabila’s criticisms, claiming he has lost relevance in national discourse.
The M23 group has seen significant military momentum since 2021 after a halting peace deal expired, leading to Goma's seizure earlier this year – an event that has contributed to widespread civilian displacements amidst ongoing conflict. Returning from his life in South Africa, Kabila indicated he would be back to assist in resolving the troubling violence that envelops the region.
The continuing turmoil exemplifies the broad and contentious landscape of Congolese politics, steeped in history and filled with threats to peace and governance as former leaders re-enter the fray.
In a statement to the BBC, Innocent Mirimo, a youth leader from Kabila's People's Party for Reconstruction and Democracy (PPRD), affirmed the reports of Kabila’s return, expressing a sense of familial reunion. The PPRD recently faced a ban in Kinshasa due to its perceived neutrality regarding M23 incursions into Congolese territory. M23's rebels welcomed Kabila warmly via social media, echoing sentiments of appreciation for his presence in the "liberated areas."
Kabila stands accused by Congolese authorities of treason and war crimes, with officials asserting they possess substantial evidence of his cooperation with the M23 group. In a controversial social media post, Kabila labeled President Tshisekedi's government a "dictatorship," asserting the nation is experiencing a decline in democratic practices. Government spokesperson Patrick Muyaya dismissed Kabila’s criticisms, claiming he has lost relevance in national discourse.
The M23 group has seen significant military momentum since 2021 after a halting peace deal expired, leading to Goma's seizure earlier this year – an event that has contributed to widespread civilian displacements amidst ongoing conflict. Returning from his life in South Africa, Kabila indicated he would be back to assist in resolving the troubling violence that envelops the region.
The continuing turmoil exemplifies the broad and contentious landscape of Congolese politics, steeped in history and filled with threats to peace and governance as former leaders re-enter the fray.
