Joseph Kabila traveled to Goma city for meetings with local people after M23 rebels took control there. Three sources close to the former Congo president confirmed his arrival on Sunday night. The visit could disrupt American efforts to end fighting between government forces and M23 fighters. Kabila ruled Congo for almost twenty years before stepping down after protests forced him out of power. He has lived mostly outside the country since late 2023.
M23 rebel forces captured more territory than ever before and seized Goma during their January offensive. Kabila plans to start talks with citizens on Wednesday about the ongoing crisis affecting eastern Congo. Government officials want to prosecute the former leader for allegedly supporting the M23 insurgency against current authorities. Senators voted last week to remove his legal protection from criminal charges. President Felix Tshisekedi accused Kabila of working with Rwanda to sponsor the rebellion that threatens regional stability.
M23 rebel forces captured more territory than ever before and seized Goma during their January offensive. Kabila plans to start talks with citizens on Wednesday about the ongoing crisis affecting eastern Congo. Government officials want to prosecute the former leader for allegedly supporting the M23 insurgency against current authorities. Senators voted last week to remove his legal protection from criminal charges. President Felix Tshisekedi accused Kabila of working with Rwanda to sponsor the rebellion that threatens regional stability.
