Former President Joseph Kabila has announced his return to the Democratic Republic of Congo. He says he wants to help address the growing crisis in the eastern part of the country, where the M23 rebel group continues to gain ground.
Kabila, who governed from 2001 to 2019, said he would start his efforts in the conflict-hit east. His return comes after talks with both national leaders and international partners. He has spent the past year outside the country, mostly in South Africa and other African states.
“I am returning without delay to contribute to the search for a solution,” Kabila said in a written statement on Tuesday.
Violence in the eastern provinces, especially North Kivu, has worsened since January. The M23, which Congo says is backed by Rwanda, has launched a rapid offensive. Thousands have been killed. Over a million people have fled their homes. Rwanda continues to deny any support for the rebel group.
Peace talks between Congo and Rwanda, which were due to begin on April 9 in Doha, have been delayed. No new date has been announced.
Kabila’s return is likely to trigger mixed reactions. He took office after the assassination of his father, Laurent-Désiré Kabila. But his time in power ended in controversy. In 2016, he stayed on after his term expired, which led to nationwide protests. Critics accused him of trying to change the constitution to extend his rule. He finally stepped down after the 2018 elections.
His successor, President Félix Tshisekedi, initially shared power with Kabila in a tense alliance. That partnership quickly fell apart. Tshisekedi later accused Kabila of blocking reform efforts. More recently, he accused him of backing the M23 insurgency.
In February, as rebels approached the eastern city of Bukavu, Tshisekedi publicly claimed that Kabila was supporting the group. Kabila has denied the accusation.
While tensions remain high, Kabila has been meeting with civil society leaders and opposition figures. He has been discussing the country’s political future. These meetings have raised questions about his next move.
Last month, three members of Kabila’s political party were summoned by military prosecutors. This followed comments made by one of them in February. No charges were filed.
Kabila says he will begin his engagement in the eastern region. “The threat is immediate there, and that is where I will start,” he said. His message pointed to recent consultations with both local and foreign stakeholders involved in the crisis.
His return adds another layer to Congo’s political landscape at a time when the country faces growing instability in the east.