M23 rebels welcome Joseph Kabila to Goma
IndependentMAY 15
DRC: Former President Kabila Returns From Self-Imposed Exile
Above: Former Democratic Republic of the Congo President Joseph Kabila walks off the podium on Jan. 24, 2019, after officially handing over the presidency to Félix Tshisekedi in Kinshasa. Image copyright: Tony Karumba/Contributor/AFP via Getty Images
The Spin
Pro-government narrative
Kabila's return means nothing to the country, as his political influence has long vanished. That he is in Goma only confirms his complicity with rebels that have committed atrocities in the eastern DRC — something that Kinshasa had already pointed out with substantial evidence. Hopefully, the former Congolese president-turned-fugitive will soon face justice for his war crimes.
Government-critical narrative
Some may claim that the return of Kabila could undermine mediation efforts in the DRC, but to sideline him now that he has returned to the country would be a counterproductive decision. After all, the general interest of the Congolese nation would be better served if the former president and Kinshasa are able to engage in dialogue.