Former President Joseph Kabila has declared an end to his year-long self-imposed exile in South Africa, announcing his decision to return to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) amid escalating unrest. Speaking to Jeune Afrique in an interview published on April 8, 2025, Kabila said he intends to re-enter the country through its most unstable region—the conflict-ridden east.
“After spending six years away from the political spotlight and nearly a year abroad, I have chosen to return home immediately to contribute to resolving the crisis,” Kabila stated.
Kabila had relocated to South Africa in December 2023 to pursue postgraduate studies. However, he confirmed in a March 2025 interview with Namibian media that he had paused his education to focus on the worsening situation in his homeland. “Due to the gravity of events in the east, I suspended my academic work a couple of months ago,” he said.
Controversy Over Eastern Return
Kabila’s choice to return through the eastern provinces—where armed groups have wreaked havoc, particularly in cities like Goma and Bukavu—has sparked controversy. This region is at the heart of the current conflict, with President Félix Tshisekedi’s administration accusing Kabila of having ties to rebel movements.
Foreign Minister Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner recently downplayed the need for Kabila’s involvement, asserting that the government is capable of addressing the crisis without him. During the 2023 presidential campaign, President Tshisekedi repeatedly alleged that Kabila was secretly backing insurgent factions and even accused him of colluding with Rwanda to destabilize the country.
Despite these allegations, Kabila defended his decision to return, saying that the security threats facing his nation compelled him to act. “I cannot remain passive while serious dangers continue to unfold at home,” he asserted.
A Deepening Rift with Tshisekedi
Kabila’s reemergence comes at a time of heightened political tension between him and President Tshisekedi. Their political partnership, forged in 2018, began to deteriorate in 2020 over disputes concerning judicial appointments and control of the electoral commission. The fallout reached a climax when Tshisekedi appointed three Constitutional Court judges without Kabila’s consent, leading to the collapse of their coalition.
The breakup resulted in many of Kabila’s allies switching allegiance to Tshisekedi’s newly formed government. In the aftermath, the sitting president accused Kabila of orchestrating instability through armed proxies, especially the M23 rebel group.
Kabila’s move to South Africa in late 2023 was widely interpreted as a withdrawal from politics. However, recent developments suggest that he has remained engaged behind the scenes. In addition to his academic pursuits at the University of Johannesburg, Kabila has consistently criticized Tshisekedi’s leadership and approach to national security.
Sharp Criticism of Current Leadership
Kabila has publicly condemned the Tshisekedi administration for what he calls a failure to uphold constitutional principles and protect human rights. “This crisis won’t be resolved through mere dialogue while abuses and violations persist,” he said.
He has also expressed disapproval of the government’s reliance on foreign support to manage internal conflicts. In his view, lasting peace and stability must come from within the country. “We must stop portraying Congo as a helpless victim in the region,” he said, cautioning against overdependence on international intervention.
Political Reemergence and Future Intentions
Over the past few months, Kabila has been quietly reestablishing his political presence. He held discussions with opposition leaders Moïse Katumbi and Claudel Lubaya in Addis Ababa in December 2024 and published an op-ed in South Africa’s Sunday Times in February 2025 criticizing the current government’s direction.
His return signals a potential turning point in the DRC’s political landscape. Kabila has indicated that his decision follows extensive consultations with domestic and international stakeholders, suggesting he plans to play a hands-on role in shaping the country’s future.
