Ndiho Media,LLC.

By Ndiho Media

Former President Joseph Kabila has begun holding consultations with residents and civic leaders in the eastern Congolese city of Goma — a stronghold now under the control of the M23 rebel group. His visit comes days after the Congolese Senate voted to strip him of legal immunity, clearing the way for possible prosecution on charges of treason and war crimes.
Kabila, who ruled the DRC from 2001 to 2019, says his return is part of a broader effort to help end the conflict in the region. During his meetings in Goma, Kabila reportedly listened to grievances from displaced families, youth leaders, and religious figures, many of whom expressed frustration over the deteriorating security and economic situation.
Government officials, however, remain sharply critical. Spokesman Patrick Muyaya accused Kabila of “positioning himself as a rebel leader,” fueling fears that his presence could undermine peace efforts backed by Washington and regional allies.
In a recent speech, Kabila rejected the allegations, saying, “Our justice system has become nothing more than an instrument of oppression.”
Whether his visit is a genuine peace initiative or a calculated political move remains to be seen — but one thing is clear: Kabila is back, and the stakes for Congo’s future just got higher.