Apr, 21 2025
Kabila’s Dramatic Return to Goma—and DR Congo’s Unanswered Questions
Former president Kabila didn’t just come back to the Democratic Republic of Congo—he made a statement by entering through Goma, the city now in the hands of M23 rebels. After more than a year of keeping his distance, nobody really expected him to pick Goma. But if there’s ever been a symbol of trouble in eastern Congo, it’s that city. This move isn’t just about geography; it’s a shot across the bow for his rivals and a signal to his allies that he’s still a real player.
Kabila’s team points to Article 30 of the Congolese Constitution, making it clear he believes in his right to be wherever he wants inside DR Congo. But with the political pot already bubbling, his reappearance has people asking: Is he back for peace, or power?
The current president, Félix Tshisekedi, hasn’t been shy about his suspicions. He’s slammed Kabila with accusations of helping groups like the M23 rebels. Now that Kabila is standing in territory controlled by the very rebels he’s accused of supporting, the timing couldn’t look more loaded. Kabila shrugged off the claims, challenging anyone to show proof, but that’s done little to quiet the chatter. The People’s Party for Reconstruction and Democracy (PPRD) he leads has doubled down, insisting his trip is all above board and in line with the country’s laws.
Party Makeover, Public Reactions, and What’s Next for Congo
Inside his own camp, Kabila is shaking things up. The PPRD just announced a major reshuffle: Aubin Minaku, once the speaker of the National Assembly, has stepped up as vice-president. It’s not a stretch to think Kabila is positioning for bigger moves. Party restructuring usually means you’re getting ready for a fight, and in this case, the stage is national politics—where alliances can shift overnight.
On the streets in Goma, the return lit up debate. Some people see hope that maybe, just maybe, he can use his experience to ease the misery in a city worn out by decades of fighting. Others are a lot less comfortable, worried his arrival is just another twist that might drag the region into fresh violence or political standoffs. Security in Goma is already fragile, and nobody’s sure if his presence will help or hurt.
- The government and the M23 rebels are still deep in talks mediated by Qatar, trying to hammer out at least a temporary peace.
- Kabila’s return threw a wild card on the table, just as those discussions started showing tiny signs of progress.
- For many in the DRC—and outside—it’s not clear if his comeback means the conflict could cool down, or ignite all over again.
For now, Kabila looks set to stay in the headlines, and his motives will keep both his supporters and critics guessing. With every handshake and every word, the next chapter of the DRC’s political saga is getting written in real time.