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Goma : Joseph Kabila’s return sparks mixed public reactions

SOS Médias Burundi

Goma, April 19, 2025 – Former President of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Joseph Kabila Kabange, made a remarkable return on Friday, April 18, to Goma, in the east of the country. His itinerary, via Kigali (Rwanda), did not fail to revive speculation and political tensions in Kinshasa, the Congolese capital, and throughout the country.

Resident in southern Africa since 2024, Joseph Kabila announced his intention to return on April 8, citing in a statement « the deterioration of security » and « the worrying state of institutions. » He stated at the time that he intended to begin his visit in the east of the country, « because there is danger at hand. »

His return comes as the Congolese army (FARDC) continues to fight the M23 rebels, now grouped within the Congo River Alliance (AFC). In this context, reactions are strong and divided.

Concerns in the civil society

For Marion Ngavho, a civil society leader in North Kivu, Kabila’s presence in Goma is significant :

« Joseph Kabila is a dignified and educated Congolese statesman. I believe he can be not only a key player in the fight against the M23, but also a vital opponent of the current regime’s poor governance. »

Other voices are more cautious, even critical, denouncing a return to opaque agendas in an explosive context. The civil society fears an open confrontation between the former and current presidents.

The PPRD Embarrassed

The People’s Party for Reconstruction and Democracy (PPRD), Kabila’s political party, seems caught off guard.

« We don’t know if he is in Goma or not. And if so, that only concerns him personally, not the PPRD, » responded Marc Musafiri, the party’s executive secretary in North Kivu.

This statement reflects a certain uncertainty within the political party founded by Kabila, which recently celebrated its 23rd anniversary.

Serious accusations from Kinshasa

In February in Munich, Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi accused Joseph Kabila of being the « sponsor » of an armed opposition supported by Rwanda. This theory was echoed by Jean-Pierre Bemba, former Minister of Defense, who promised to unveil evidence.

The name of Éric Nkuba Shebandu, close to Corneille Nangaa and a strategic advisor to the AFC, also comes up. Corneille Nangaa is the leader of the Congo River Alliance, a politico-military movement affiliated with the M23 armed group, which now controls the capitals of North and South Kivu provinces in eastern Congo, a region rich in minerals. When he was captured by the FARDC in April 2024, he reportedly mentioned Kabila among the rebel movement’s military contacts.

A risky return strategy?

For many observers, the choice to travel via Kigali, the capital of a country accused of military interference in the DRC, raises questions.
How can a former head of state take such a route at a time when the Congolese public opinion remains affected by the atrocities committed in the east of the country?

Towards a political comeback?

Against this backdrop, Joseph Kabila’s return could mark the beginning of a new political commitment, as his party seeks to regain its place on the national stage. But the Congolese scene has changed, and the terrain is now more complex, more fragmented, and tense.

At a public event last March in Johannesburg, the former president denied any links to the M23, calling the accusations against him « baseless » and calling for « a Congolese solution to Congolese problems. »

Government reaction

On Saturday, April 19, Congolese government spokesperson Patrick Muyaya responded from Kinshasa :

« The return of Mr. Joseph Kabila, in this particular context, is a major political event. But we reiterate that no individual is above the law. If evidence establishes links with armed groups, the justice system will do its work. »

This statement suggests that the authorities are closely monitoring the former president’s every move.

It remains to be seen whether his return will contribute to calming the situation or further fuel tensions in a country still plagued by armed conflict and political uncertainty.

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Former Congolese President Joseph Kabila, who returned to the country through eastern DRC, controlled by M23 rebels, suspected of receiving support from Rwanda, DR