As announced during his address to the nation on May 23, Joseph Kabila, former president of the Democratic Republic of Congo, arrived Sunday night in Goma, the largest city in eastern Congo, captured by the M23 at the end of January.

The information was confirmed and relayed by the AFC-M23, which wished him an excellent stay in the « liberated » zones. Lawrence Kanyuka, political spokesperson for the politico-military movement, issued an official message stating : « Former President of the DRC, Mr. Joseph Kabila, has arrived in the city of Goma. We wish him a pleasant stay in the liberated zones. »

This arrival comes after several rumors had announced his arrival in Goma before his official announcement. Despite consistent sources confirming his presence, no images of his arrival have yet been released.

The attention is now focused on the coming days, as questions remain about the objectives and scope of his visit to a region with sensitive political and security issues.

The Congo River Alliance (AFC) is a politico-military movement created in December 2023, composed of several armed groups, including the M23, which has controlled large parts of the North and South Kivu provinces in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo since January 2025. This coalition takes its name from the Congo River region, symbolizing its strategic influence over this area rich in mineral resources. The AFC is a major player in the current conflicts in eastern Congo, playing a central role in the political and security dynamics of this unstable region.