Joseph Kabila Returns to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ending his Political Exile

Joseph Kabila, the former president of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, has reached the eastern city of Goma. The M23 rebels, who have been in possession of the capital of Nord Kivu since January and are backed by Rwanda, announced his presence on Monday.

Joseph Kabila, the former president of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, has reached Goma. M23 spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka wrote on X, “We hope he has a good time in the freed areas.” People in Goma had conflicting reactions to the incident.

Since nothing had changed under his presidency, we are unsure if Kabila’s coming would bring any changes. Filicien Kasole, a citizen of Goma, stated, “Even though he served as president, his arrival does not mean we can expect change now.”

“During his eighteen years in office, we have witnessed several outcomes, some of which have been favourable and others of which have not. “For that, I welcome him for the country’s development,” Ishara Ecclésiaste stated.

Tensions in politics and security have escalated since Kabila arrived in Goma. Félix Tshisekedi, the president of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, has long accused his predecessor of backing the M23 and the Congo River Alliance. People in Goma, like Éric Pautian, who rides his motorbike across the city, question Kabila’s intentions.

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