A former president of the Democratic Republic of Congo has returned to the country after years in self-imposed exile, according to an adviser, just days after the Senate accused him of treason.
The Senate alleged that Joseph Kabila supported a militia responsible for capturing significant portions of Congolese territory this year, a claim that could result in his prosecution. Despite his return, he remains beyond the government's reach, having chosen Goma, a city 1,000 miles east of the capital Kinshasa, for his re-entry.
Goma was taken by M23, a militia backed by Rwanda, in January. Kabila is accused of supporting this militia. His return coincides with U.S. efforts to broker a peace agreement between Rwanda and Congo, as well as to negotiate minerals deals with both nations. Kabila's presence in the country could complicate these diplomatic efforts.
“Former President Kabila arrived in Goma on the 25th of this month,” stated his spokesman, Barnabé Kikayi Bin Karubi. “The reason for his return is clear: to participate in the search for a peaceful settlement of the Congolese crisis.”
In a recent video address, Kabila criticized his successor, President Felix Tshisekedi, labeling him a dictator. In the 2018 presidential election, Kabila's chosen successor lost, and allegations of widespread fraud surrounded the election, which ultimately led to Tshisekedi being declared the winner after a power-sharing agreement with Kabila's party.
This alliance ended abruptly a year later when Tshisekedi claimed that sharing power was hindering his reform agenda. Since then, Kabila had largely remained silent until recently, indicating a desire to re-engage in Congolese politics.
Upon his arrival in Goma, Kabila received a warm welcome from M23's political leader, Corneille Nangaa, who has been critical of Tshisekedi. Nangaa previously served as president of Congo’s Independent National Electoral Commission when Tshisekedi was first declared president.