Congo Ex-President Goma Visit Sparks Controversy

May 28, 2025

2 minutes read

Kabila

The former Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) President Joseph Kabila arrived in rebel-held Goma, North Kivu, to hold consultations with locals, according to three sources close to him.

The visit which was said to be on Sunday May 25, 2025, was also confirmed by M23-led rebel alliance leader Corneille Nangaa on social media.

This visit follows Kabila’s April 2025 pledge to help resolve the crisis in eastern Congo.

However, it raises concerns about complicating a U.S.-backed peace agreement aimed at ending the Rwanda-backed M23 rebellion, which seized Goma in January 2025.

 

Allegations and Political Tensions

The DRC government accuses Kabila of supporting M23, with the Senate voting on May 22, 2025, to lift his immunity over alleged crimes against humanity, including civilian massacres.

Government spokesman Patrick Muyaya claimed Kabila is aligning with Rwanda’s Paul Kagame as a “rebel leader.”

Kabila, who stepped down in 2018 after nearly two decades in power, denied these accusations in a May 23 speech, calling the DRC justice system an “instrument of oppression” under President Felix Tshisekedi. Their strained relationship, marked by a failed 2018 power-sharing deal, has fueled political tensions.

 

M23 Rebellion and Regional Dynamics

The M23 rebellion, backed by Rwanda with arms and troops according to the UN and Western governments, has intensified conflict in eastern Congo, driven partly by the region’s valuable minerals.

Rwanda denies these claims, asserting self-defense against DRC forces and militias tied to the 1994 genocide. M23’s advance, including the capture of Goma, threatens U.S.-led peace talks set for summer 2025, which aim to secure stability and Western investment in Congo’s mineral wealth.

 

Implications for Peace and Stability

Kabila’s presence in Goma, where M23 holds sway, could undermine peace efforts,  suggesting it signals a power play against Tshisekedi’s government.

The DRC’s push to charge Kabila with treason, suspend his political party, and seize assets escalates domestic tensions.

Meanwhile, the U.S. seeks to balance peace negotiations with mineral deals, as noted by Trump adviser Massad Boulos. ECOWAS regional dynamics, including Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger’s exit to form the Alliance of Sahel States, add complexity to stabilizing the broader region.

 

Read also:

Share:
Subscribe
Notify of
guest
0 Comments
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments

Related Links

ariana-grande

Ariana Grande Announces 2026 Tour After 7-Year Break

Pop superstar Ariana Grande is officially hitting the road again. The singer has announced her ...

BBNaija-s10

BBNaija 2025: Chaos as Masked Dwarfs Invade the House

Big Brother Naija Season 10, tagged 10/10, delivered one of its wildest twists yet on ...

xavi-2

Tottenham Sign Xavi Simons in £51.8m Deal

Tottenham Hotspur have officially signed Dutch midfielder Xavi Simons from RB Leipzig in a deal ...

Falz Engagement

Nigerian Rapper Falz Gets Engaged

Popular Nigerian rapper Folarin Falana, widely known as Falz, has announced his engagement, sending social ...

Latest News

Today in History

September 4th is the day in 1949 that the Peekskill Riots erupt after a Paul Robeson concert in Peekskill, New York.

Exchange Rate Per Dollar

AM Armenian Dram381.5064
GH Ghana Cedi10.5
GM Gambian Dalasi72
GN Guinea Franc8,656.44
NG Nigerian Naira₦1,526.84
CF CFA Franc BEAC562.914
04 Sep · CurrencyRate · USD
CurrencyRate.Today
Check: 04 Sep 2025 11:05 UTC
Latest change: 04 Sep 2025 11:00 UTC
API: CurrencyRate
Disclaimers. This plugin or website cannot guarantee the accuracy of the exchange rates displayed. You should confirm current rates before making any transactions that could be affected by changes in the exchange rates.
You can install this WP plugin on your website from the WordPress official website: Exchange Rates🚀

YOUR THOUGHTS

Let us know what you think

Contact the People’s Paper with feedback on stories and how we could make wapress.africa even better!

newsletter image

Stay up to date with the latest from West Africa Press

Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on WApress.

Subscribe Newsletter!

Be the first to receive our latest contents and more...

Need help?