Former President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Joseph Kabila, has resurfaced in the public sphere with a rare political engagement, meeting local religious leaders and community representatives in Goma, the capital of the volatile North Kivu Province. The gathering, held at Kabila’s private residence on Thursday, marked a significant development amidst an increasingly complex security and political landscape in eastern DRC.
Kabila, who governed the country from 2001 to 2019 and assumed the role of senator for life upon leaving office, arrived in Goma late on Sunday, 26 May, accompanied by a close circle of aides. His visit comes shortly after a national address in which he advocated for a “citizens’ pact” and a renewed “patriotic awakening” to confront the persistent national crisis.
Joel Amurani, head of the Protestant Church in Goma, confirmed that the delegation met with Kabila “at his request to hear his views on the current situation in the country.” The meeting forms part of a broader consultation effort which, according to sources close to the former president, will continue with traditional authorities and other stakeholders in the coming days.
This renewed visibility follows a decisive move by the DRC Senate on 23 May, in which it voted to lift Kabila’s parliamentary immunity. This legal development potentially exposes him to prosecution over grave allegations, including treason, war crimes, crimes against humanity, and purported support for the March 23 Movement (M23) rebel group. The M23, which has historically operated in the mineral-rich eastern provinces, has been accused of carrying out systematic violations of international humanitarian law, including attacks on civilians and forced displacement.
The security situation in eastern DRC has deteriorated sharply since January 2025, with M23 fighters seizing several strategic locations, including parts of Goma and Bukavu. The resurgence of the group has triggered widespread displacement and renewed calls for international engagement to stabilise the region.
Kabila, who has been residing primarily in South Africa since 2023, has recently stated his intent to return and “contribute to finding a solution” to the deepening crisis. His re-emergence raises critical questions about the political calculus in Kinshasa, especially given the grave charges against him and the delicate timing of his consultations with local power structures in North Kivu.
While Kabila has not yet addressed the media, his visit underscores both his enduring influence and the fractured nature of Congolese politics, particularly in a region historically plagued by foreign interference, rebel insurgencies, and governance vacuums.
Eastern DRC remains a flashpoint in the Great Lakes region, with complex geopolitical and ethnic dimensions. The United Nations, African Union, and regional blocs such as the Southern African Development Community (SADC) have repeatedly called for demilitarisation and dialogue. Whether Kabila’s intervention signals a meaningful shift in internal dynamics or merely a tactical manoeuvre in response to legal pressures remains to be seen.
As the former president prepares for further engagements, the coming days will likely offer more clarity on his intentions and the broader implications for peace and justice in the DRC.
