Joseph Kabila Kabange, the former President of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), is expected to deliver a public address on Sunday, April 20, 2025, in the eastern city of Goma.
Kabila has been in Goma since Friday, after arriving from Harare, Zimbabwe, where he had been in exile since 2024.
Before returning to the country, Kabila had announced on April 8 that he would come back to DRC, citing a severe deterioration of the country’s security and overall governance. He expressed a desire to contribute to solving the national crisis.
The DRC is currently facing a wave of unrest, especially in the east, where government forces are clashing with M23 rebels.
Kabila accuses President Félix Tshisekedi’s administration of being the root cause of the worsening instability. In his speech, he is expected to lay out his vision for restoring order and addressing national challenges.
The former head of state, who ruled from 2001 to 2018, is speaking from a city now largely under the control of M23—a rebel group that previously fought against his government between 2012 and 2013.
Kabila’s return comes as the Tshisekedi government has launched legal proceedings against him, accusing him of high treason. Authorities have also ordered the seizure of his assets and suspended activities of his political party, PPRD-FCC.
He is also expected to address these accusations during his address in Goma.
Reports also suggest that Moïse Katumbi, another prominent opposition leader, may join Kabila in Goma. The two met in Addis Ababa in December 2024, where they pledged to work together toward resolving the country’s crisis.
