Former DRC President Joseph Kabila Reportedly Joins M23/AFC Rebels in Eastern Congo

GOMA, Democratic Republic of Congo – In a development likely to deepen the political and security crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the Allied Revolutionary Coalition (ARC)/March 23 Movement (M23) rebel alliance has issued a statement confirming the arrival of former President Joseph Kabila in territories under its control.

Former DRC President Joseph Kabila

Describing Kabila as a “respected and respectable former head of state” and “soldier of the people,” the ARC/M23 alliance hailed his presence as a significant endorsement of the rebellion against President Félix Tshisekedi’s administration. The group’s official communiqué, released Tuesday, declared “long live the revolution,” framing Kabila’s appearance in the so-called “liberated zones” as a turning point in its anti-government campaign.

Legal and Political Fallout

The announcement follows closely on the heels of a landmark decision by the Congolese Senate to lift Kabila’s immunity from prosecution. The Senate vote, prompted by formal requests from the Ministry of Justice, has opened the door for Kabila to face charges including treason, war crimes, crimes against humanity, and active participation in an insurrectional movement.

In a defiant response, Kabila issued a public declaration expressing his intention to “actively participate in the liberation of the country,” signaling a decisive rupture with the formal political establishment and a strategic pivot toward armed opposition. Legal experts and political analysts have interpreted the move as both a symbolic and tactical alignment with the insurgency, thereby increasing the likelihood of formal prosecution and potential international sanctions.

Government Response and Regional Implications

While the Kinshasa government has yet to issue a formal response, sources within the presidential office have characterized Kabila’s actions as “an act of open rebellion” and a “betrayal of the Republic.” Justice Minister Constant Mutamba has previously warned that such actions are detrimental to national sovereignty and jeopardize the fragile peace process in eastern Congo.

Officials have indicated that a coordinated legal and military response is under consideration. These measures may include accelerated seizure of Kabila's assets, a regional diplomatic campaign to delegitimize his political activities, and enhanced cross-border security cooperation with neighboring countries.

Diplomatic Setbacks and Museveni’s Refusal

Kabila’s movement into rebel-held territory is reported to have followed a failed attempt to enter the DRC via Uganda. Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, an important regional ally of the Tshisekedi administration, reportedly denied Kabila passage, citing concerns over ongoing joint military operations between Uganda and the DRC against the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF).

President Museveni has historically harbored reservations about Kabila’s leadership, particularly in relation to perceived inaction against the ADF insurgency during his tenure. General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Museveni’s son and senior military advisor, recently echoed this sentiment, stating unequivocally: “I will never allow Joseph Kabila to become President of DRC again.”

Denied entry through Uganda, Kabila is believed to have used alternative, unmonitored routes to reach Goma, now the administrative center for ARC/M23’s political and military operations.

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Strategic Realignment and Risk of Escalation

Political analysts interpret Kabila’s alliance with the M23/AFC coalition as a calculated effort to reposition himself within Congo’s political landscape after years of marginalization. His co-signing of a recent declaration demanding the withdrawal of all foreign troops from Congolese soil is viewed as a direct challenge to regional military engagement, particularly Uganda’s growing presence in North Kivu.

Observers warn that this latest development could severely undermine ongoing international and regional mediation efforts. Kabila’s alignment with M23/AFC — designated as a terrorist group by the Congolese government — constitutes the most severe political fracture in DRC's post-conflict governance since his departure from office in 2019.

As the situation continues to evolve, the former president's reemergence in the rebel stronghold poses a dual threat: the possible resurgence of his influence among disaffected military factions and the increasing likelihood of international isolation should charges proceed. Whether this maneuver revitalizes his political relevance or irrevocably alienates him from both national and international legitimacy remains to be seen.