Ex-DR Congo President Kabila Appears in Rebel-Held Goma Amid Treason Threat

Former Democratic Republic of Congo President Joseph Kabila made a rare public appearance in Goma, an eastern city held by the Rwanda-backed M23 rebel group, amid accusations that he supports the insurgency. Kabila, who has been in exile since 2023 and recently lost his parliamentary immunity allowing for a possible treason trial, met with local religious leaders and M23 representatives but did not make any public statements. His return to the region, which is rich in valuable minerals, complicates ongoing US-backed peace efforts between Congo and Rwanda aimed at ending the conflict and promoting Western investment. President Felix Tshisekedi's government accuses Kabila of being the mastermind behind the M23 rebellion, claims Kabila denies, asserting the charges are arbitrary. The renewed fighting by M23 has displaced hundreds of thousands and raised fears of a wider regional conflict reminiscent of past devastating wars. Kabila's visit signals his continued political influence and opposition to Tshisekedi's administration, which is engaged in delicate negotiations to stabilize the volatile eastern Congo.