Former DR Congo President Joseph Kabila, having lost his parliamentary immunity, declared he would soon visit a city held by the Rwanda-backed M23 group, labeling the current government a “dictatorship.”
In a rare online address, Kabila, who led from 2001 to 2019, criticized President Felix Tshisekedi, who accuses Kabila of M23 collusion.
A day after the Senate lifted his immunity, potentially allowing prosecution for alleged M23 support, Kabila denounced “arbitrary decisions” from Kinshasa.
He specifically mentioned rumors of his supposed presence in Goma, a city he intends to visit soon.
Kabila asserted that the government’s reaction demonstrated a “spectacular retreat of democracy” in the country.
He called for an end to the “dictatorship” and a restoration of democracy and good governance.
Tshisekedi has repeatedly accused Kabila of orchestrating an “insurrection” with the M23, blaming him for their territorial gains in the east, facilitated by Rwanda.
The eastern DRC has been plagued by conflict for over three decades, intensifying with the M23’s resurgence in 2021.
Since early 2025, the M23 has seized key eastern cities like Goma and Bukavu, establishing long-term governance in their controlled areas.
Despite his secretive nature, Kabila retains political influence, never fully exiting the political scene, according to researcher Tresor Kibangula.
Kabila’s unexpected announcement in April of his return to the DRC caused surprise.
While not specifying an M23-held area, he insisted on returning via the conflict-ridden east, though no actual return materialized.
Following his announcement, Congolese authorities raided his properties and suspended his party, which now denounces a “witch hunt.”
Kibangula noted that despite lacking institutional power, Kabila remains a “shadow power” the government seeks to contain.