Former DRC President Joseph Kabila has returned to Goma after spending over a year away in Southern Africa. He returned during serious fighting between government forces and rebels in eastern Congo. Some reports said he was seen in Rwanda first, but his exact route into the country remains unclear. Kabila called the region a "house in danger" before his arrival. He stated on April 8 that he needed to return because of worsening security problems.
Kabila led Congo from 2001 to 2019. He stayed mostly quiet after leaving office but still has power through his political party, the PPRD. His return happens as the PPRD celebrates its 23rd birthday. Government officials accuse him of supporting eastern rebel groups like M23. Kabila denied these claims last month during a speech in Johannesburg. He called them "unfounded" when talking with former South African President Thabo Mbeki.
The situation grew more tense after former Defense Minister Jean-Pierre Bemba claimed Kabila helped create the armed violence. The Congolese military continues fighting the AFC/M23 rebels, who control parts of eastern DRC. President Félix Tshisekedi has not made any official statement about Kabila's return.
Kabila led Congo from 2001 to 2019. He stayed mostly quiet after leaving office but still has power through his political party, the PPRD. His return happens as the PPRD celebrates its 23rd birthday. Government officials accuse him of supporting eastern rebel groups like M23. Kabila denied these claims last month during a speech in Johannesburg. He called them "unfounded" when talking with former South African President Thabo Mbeki.
The situation grew more tense after former Defense Minister Jean-Pierre Bemba claimed Kabila helped create the armed violence. The Congolese military continues fighting the AFC/M23 rebels, who control parts of eastern DRC. President Félix Tshisekedi has not made any official statement about Kabila's return.
