Kabilas comeback: Talks in Goma - High treason in the air?

Kabilas comeback: Talks in Goma - High treason in the air?

Goma, Demokratische Republik Kongo - On May 29, 2025, the former President of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Joseph Kabila, landed in the city of Goma in the east of the country controlled by the M23 militia. Kabila has been in the self -imposed exile since 2023 and returned to Congo's east to take part in peace efforts in the conflict -laden region. His visit falls in a time of increasing tensions, since M23, which is supported by Rwanda, has conquered large parts of the East, including the strategically important city of Goma.

Kabila, who was president from 2011 to 2019, was recently withdrawn his immunity after being accused of supporting armed rebels in the east of the DRC. Despite the possibility of a treason process that was initiated against him, he stayed in Goma, where he also met local religious leaders. The M23 spokesman Lawrence Kanyuka was present at the meeting, but there were no official explanations on the content of the talks.

political tensions and return to Goma

Kabila's return is considered controversial. Some analysts warn that his presence could increase the tensions between the government under President Félix Tshisekedi and the rebels. According to reports, Kabila had talks with locals in Goma and plans to found its own political platform without entering into the M23. A member of his follow -up said that both Kabila and M23 pursue the common goal of ending the rule of Tshisekedi, although both groups do not cooperate directly.

In Goma, a dramatic humanitarian crisis has already been visible: Around 700,000 people have already been driven out this year and around 3,000 people have been killed in the region since the beginning of the fighting. The United Nations accuse Rwanda of supporting M23 with weapons and troops, which the Rwandian government denies. Kabila rejected the allegations that are made to him as "arbitrary decisions with worrying lightness".

Investigations against Kabila and diplomatic efforts

The Congolese government reacted to Kabila's return by confiscating his owners and suspending his party, the PPRD. In addition, an investigation was initiated due to treason, based on information about Kabilas Possible connections to the M23 and the Rwandic army. President Tshisekedi accused Kabila last year of cooperation with the rebels, which Kabila denies.

Despite the critical situation, Goma is an important place for Kabila to possibly plan a return to Katanga, his home region. However, the political future and peace in the region remain uncertain, while the conflict has escalated in recent years. Analyst warn that the situation could quickly become a comprehensive conflict, similar to the wars of the late 1990s.

The tensions in the region have created a variety of humanitarian challenges, and Amnesty International has accused M23 of serious human rights violations in the areas they controlled, including torture and forced disappear. This dark picture is further complicated by the required support of M23 for ethnic minorities in the region.

Kabila, who handed over the office to Tshisekedi in 2019, will probably give a speech to the residents of Goma in the coming days. The development in the DR Congo remains critical in view of the tense political atmosphere and the military activities of M23 and other groups.

The discussions about possible peace negotiations and the role of Kabilas in this context will focus on both national and international actors.

Further information on the situation in Goma can be found in the reports of AP News and taz .