Joseph Kabila Kabange, the former President of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), has arrived in the city of Goma after returning from exile.
Kabila, who led the DRC for 18 years before being succeeded by FĂ©lix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo, had been in exile in Harare, Zimbabwe, for a year.
On Tuesday, April 8, he announced his intention to return to the DRC.
At the time, he said he made this decision because the country was facing serious security issues “and other challenges in all sectors of national life,” and he wanted to help find solutions.
Kabila had previously stated that if he returned to the DRC, he would begin in the eastern part of the country, where fighting continues between the DRC’s army and the M23 rebel group.
Reports say he arrived in Goma on Friday, April 18, after passing through Kigali.
The city of Goma, where Kabila has now arrived, has been under the control of M23 rebels since the end of January this year.
This followed the expulsion of government forces from the area.
There are reports that Kabila may join forces with the Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC), which includes M23. The AFC is led by Corneille Nangaa, who was head of the electoral commission during Kabila’s rule.
Joseph Kabila has returned to the DRC at a time when relations between him and President Tshisekedi have been tense.
Tshisekedi has frequently accused Kabila of being a key supporter of M23.
It is expected that on Saturday, the former president will address the Congolese people from Goma, the capital of North Kivu Province.
