Former Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) president Joseph Kabila has once again thrust himself into the heart of the country’s political storm after visiting Goma, a city currently controlled by the rebel group M23. This bold move comes amid growing turmoil following the recent removal of his parliamentary immunity and mounting accusations from the current government.

Yesterday, in a rare and widely watched live streamed address, Kabila directly challenged President Felix Tshisekedi’s administration. Tshisekedi has repeatedly accused Kabila of supporting the M23 rebels, further intensifying tensions between the two political heavyweights. The day after the Senate voted to strip Kabila of his immunity, effectively paving the way for legal action, he condemned what he described as the government’s arbitrary and hasty decisions in reaction to rumors about his presence in Goma.

“The government in Kinshasa reacted recklessly, acting on social media rumors and baseless accusations,” Kabila said during the broadcast. “This is a clear sign of democracy in retreat. The dictatorship must end, and we must restore justice, democracy, and effective governance.”

President Tshisekedi has accused Kabila of orchestrating an insurrection with the M23, a group that has gained control of key eastern cities including Goma and Bukavu with alleged backing from Rwanda. Since its resurgence in 2021, the M23’s activities have exacerbated an already protracted and violent conflict in the eastern DRC.

Though Kabila has maintained a low public profile in recent years, political analysts argue that he still wields significant influence in Congolese affairs. Tresor Kibangula, political director at the Ebuteli research institute, noted that Kabila has never truly left the political stage and his power remains considerable.

Earlier this year, Kabila surprised many by announcing plans to return to the country via the conflict ridden eastern region. His confirmed presence in Goma sparked swift retaliation from the government, including raids on his properties and suspension of his political party, which denounced these actions as a politically motivated witch hunt.

Kabila’s live address yesterday marked his first major public speech since stepping down in 2019. He criticized Tshisekedi’s government for consolidating power and turning the judiciary into a tool of political repression.

Facing grave accusations including war crimes, treason, and crimes against humanity, Kabila now risks trial in military courts. The treason charge, in particular, stems from allegations that he encouraged the M23 rebel group to overthrow President Tshisekedi’s government. Central to the prosecution’s case is testimony from opposition figure Eric Nkuba, who claims Kabila urged the M23 leader to seize power through a coup rather than assassination. However, some experts question the reliability of this testimony, suggesting it was coerced.

If convicted, Kabila could face the death penalty. The DRC government recently lifted a moratorium on capital punishment that had been in place for over two decades, although no executions have yet occurred.

This unfolding political drama highlights the fragile state of democracy in the DRC and the persistent influence of a former leader who refuses to fade quietly into the background.