What's happened
Former DRC President Joseph Kabila is under scrutiny for alleged ties to the M23 militia, which has seized control of Goma and other areas. Following the lifting of his immunity, Kabila's return from exile raises concerns about escalating violence and human rights abuses in the region, with over 700,000 displaced this year.
What's behind the headline?
Key Insights
- Kabila's Return: Joseph Kabila's return from exile could complicate peace efforts in eastern Congo, where the M23 seeks control over mineral-rich territories. His presence may galvanize opposition against President Felix Tshisekedi, potentially escalating tensions.
- Human Rights Violations: Amnesty International has reported severe human rights abuses by M23, including torture and enforced disappearances. This highlights the urgent need for international attention and intervention to protect civilians.
- Regional Dynamics: The involvement of Rwanda in supporting M23 raises questions about regional stability and the potential for broader conflict, reminiscent of the late 1990s wars in the DRC.
- International Response: The U.S. is pushing for a peace agreement between the DRC and Rwanda, which could lead to significant investments in the region. However, the ongoing violence complicates these diplomatic efforts.
What the papers say
According to Al Jazeera, Kabila's recent visit to Goma, where he met local religious figures, underscores his ongoing influence despite facing treason charges. The article notes that Kabila denies any ties to M23, labeling the accusations as arbitrary. In contrast, AP News highlights the dire humanitarian situation, reporting that M23 has committed serious human rights violations, including torture and killings. Amnesty International's findings emphasize the urgent need for accountability and protection for civilians caught in the conflict. This divergence in focus between Kabila's political maneuvers and the humanitarian crisis illustrates the complexity of the situation in eastern Congo.
How we got here
The conflict in eastern Congo has intensified since January 2025, when the M23 rebel group, allegedly backed by Rwanda, captured Goma. Kabila, who ruled from 2001 to 2019, has been accused of treason and war crimes, leading to the recent lifting of his immunity by the DRC Senate.
Go deeper
- What are the implications of Kabila's return?
- How is the international community responding?
- What is the current situation in Goma?
More on these topics
-
The Democratic Republic of the Congo, also known as Congo-Kinshasa, Zaire, DR Congo, DRC, the DROC, or simply the Congo, is a country located in Central Africa. It was formerly called Zaire.
-
The M23 rebellion was an armed conflict in North Kivu, Democratic Republic of the Congo, that occurred between the March 23 Movement and government forces between 4 April 2012 and 7 November 2013.
-
Joseph Kabila Kabange is a Congolese politician who served as President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo between January 2001 and January 2019.
-
Félix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo is a Congolese politician who has been the President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo since 25 January 2019.