Reports indicate that Kabila, who had been residing in South Africa, arrived in Goma on Friday afternoon. According to members of the AFC/M23, he entered the country via Rwanda.

Since leaving office, Kabila has spent most of his time in South Africa, though he has also lived in Zimbabwe.

Reports of Kabila’s return to the DRC began circulating earlier this month, with sources revealing that preparations to welcome him had been underway for several days.

He had pledged to return soon, citing the country’s serious security issues and challenges in all other sectors of national life, stating that he wanted to help find solutions.

The country has been facing a crisis due to the ongoing conflict between the government and the AFC/M23 rebels, who have recently taken control of large swathes of eastern DRC. The rebels accuse President Félix Tshisekedi’s administration of poor governance and the targeted persecution of minority groups, particularly Kinyarwanda-speaking Congolese.

Kabila remains a powerful figure in Congolese politics and retains a strong base of supporters.

Olivier Kamitatu, a former minister and current spokesperson for Congolese businessman and politician Moïse Katumbi, recently posted on X, saying, “Joseph Kabila’s decision to go to the East, a region controlled by rebels, is not just symbolic: it’s a reminder of our shared future.”

Joseph Kabila remains a powerful figure in Congolese politics and retains a strong base of supporters.