Kabila welcomed in rebel-held Goma as DR Congo tensions rise
His return comes amid growing political tension and accusations linking him to the armed group.
Joseph Kabila, the former president of DR Congo, has returned to the country after a two-year absence, arriving in the eastern city of Goma, now controlled by M23 rebels.
His return comes amid growing political tension and accusations linking him to the armed group.
The Senate recently revoked his immunity to allow investigations into his alleged support for M23.
The government claims it has strong evidence, including testimony and material, that ties Kabila to the rebels.
Kabila has denied any involvement and criticised the justice system as being “exploited for political ends.”
The 53-year-old ruled the country for nearly two decades and handed over power to President Félix Tshisekedi in 2019. Relations between the two later soured.
A youth leader from Kabila’s PPRD party in Goma, Innocent Mirimo, confirmed his arrival and told BBC Swahili.
"Kabila should be allowed full access to the country. For us, it is like a father has returned to his children," he said.
His return was also welcomed publicly by M23 spokespersons Lawrence Kanyuka and Willy Ngoma on social media.
Last month, authorities in Kinshasa banned the PPRD, saying it had an unclear stance on the capture of territory by the M23.
In a video posted Friday and later deleted, Kabila said the country was sliding into a "dictatorship" and warned of a "decline of democracy."
Government spokesperson Patrick Muyaya hit back, saying Kabila had "nothing to offer the country."
The M23 first launched attacks in 2012 before agreeing to a peace deal. However, they resumed fighting in 2021 over unmet promises.
The conflict has since escalated, with rebels capturing key areas in eastern Congo, including Goma in January. This has displaced hundreds of thousands of people in recent months.
Kabila had been living in South Africa and had announced plans to return last month to contribute to peace efforts.
