Former Congolese President Joseph Kabila met with leaders of the Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC/M23) on Friday, May 30, just four days after returning to Goma, the capital of North Kivu Province. In a post on X, AFC/M23 political leader Corneille Nangaa referred to Kabila as the “Honorary President.” “Very good working session this afternoon in Goma between the coordination of AFC/M23 and Honorary President Joseph Kabila Kabange,” Nangaa wrote. He added “Inaugural meeting of a series of reflections on how to establish and cement lasting peace, national cohesion and definitive living together.”

Former Congolese President Joseph Kabila met with leaders of the Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC/M23) on Friday, May 30, just four days after returning to Goma, the capital of North Kivu Province. In a post on X, AFC/M23 political leader Corneille Nangaa referred to Kabila as the “Honorary President.” “Very good working session this afternoon in Goma between the coordination of AFC/M23 and Honorary President Joseph Kabila Kabange,” Nangaa wrote. He added “Inaugural meeting of a series of reflections on how to establish and cement lasting peace, national cohesion and definitive living together.” The AFC/M23 rebels, who control the eastern Congolese city of Goma, confirmed Kabila’s return on Monday, May 26. “The return home of this major political figure is welcomed,” Nangaa stated in Monday post. Kabila’s return came just two days after he publicly accused President Félix Tshisekedi’s government of engaging in populism, spreading falsehoods, displaying arrogance, institutionalizing tribalism and nepotism, and fostering impunity. Kabila, 53, ruled the Democratic Republic of Congo from 2001 until January 2019, when he was succeeded by Tshisekedi. The two later had a political fallout, Tshisekedi has accused Kabila of supporting the AFC/M23 rebels. On May 22, the Congolese Senate voted in favor of a resolution lifting Kabila’s immunity as a senator for life, thereby authorizing legal proceedings against him. The military high court has brought treason and war crimes charges against Kabila, and his assets have reportedly been seized.

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