The March 23 Movement (M23) rebels have announced the arrival of former Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) President Joseph Kabila Kabange in Goma, North Kivu Province, where he intends to stay.

M23 political spokesperson Lawrence Kingston Kanyuka confirmed Kabila’s presence and welcomed him to areas controlled by the rebel group. Military spokesperson Lt. Col. Willy Ngoma also praised Kabila as a “respected and respectable former head of state and senator for life.”

Corneille Nangaa Yobeluo, coordinator of both M23 and the Congo River Alliance (AFC), called Kabila’s return a “right choice,” urging exiled Congolese political figures to follow suit. He described Goma as a place free from political persecution and discrimination, contrasting it with Kinshasa’s leadership.

Despite multiple welcoming statements, Kabila has yet to confirm his arrival or intentions in Goma, while the DRC government has dismissed the significance of his reported return.

Government Response and Legal Proceedings

On Monday, government spokesperson Patrick Muyaya criticized Kabila’s presence, claiming he has “nothing to offer the DRC.” Last week, the Senate lifted Kabila’s legal immunity, paving the way for charges of treason, support for a foreign power, and war crimes through alleged backing of armed groups.

Justice Minister Constant Mutamba subsequently ordered the seizure of Kabila’s assets and suspended activities of his party, the People’s Party for Reconstruction and Development (PPRD), while arresting senior officials suspected of links to M23.

Continued Conflict and Uncertain Peace Talks

Kabila’s arrival raises questions about ongoing peace negotiations between the DRC government and M23 in Doha, Qatar, which have yet to yield a ceasefire or substantive progress. Meanwhile, fighting persists in eastern Congo, with M23 rebels firing heavy weapons in Rutshuru territory.

M23 controls large areas in North and South Kivu provinces, including Goma and Bukavu, as well as key airports. The DRC government continues to accuse Rwanda of supporting M23—an allegation both Rwanda and the rebels deny, asserting their fight is against corruption and discrimination within the DRC’s leadership.