Joseph Kabila visits AFC/M23 training base in Rumangabo
Former President Joseph Kabila made a visit to the M23/AFC ideological and military training base in Rumangabo, Rutshuru territory, shortly after his return to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) from exile in South Africa.
Popular Congolese news outlet 7sur7, citing a source close to the former president, reported on Tuesday that Kabila’s tour of the Rumangabo military base—currently under the control of the rebel group—was aimed at understanding the conditions under which Congolese citizens are trained after choosing to join the AFC/M23 “revolution.”
“As a trained soldier, Joseph Kabila has all the necessary capabilities to bring a new dynamic to this armed opposition,” the source said.
“He is not obliged to formally join the movement to contribute his expertise and help lift the country out of its current crisis.”
The visit is part of a broader engagement that includes scheduled high-level meetings with the armed wing of the M23/AFC to assess the current situation and explore prospects aligned with Kabila’s political vision and his proposed twelve-point plan to address the national crisis.
The AFC/M23 movement, which has gained control of key areas in North Kivu province, including Goma, confirmed Kabila’s arrival on Monday, May 26, after two years in South Africa.
Corneille Nangaa, the coordinator of AFC/M23, welcomed the return of a leader he described as a “great political figure.”
“He made the right choice, rather than remaining in forced exile,” Nangaa said in a statement posted on X.
Kabila’s return came just two days after he launched a scathing attack on President Felix Tshisekedi’s government, accusing it of promoting populism, lies, tribalism, nepotism, and impunity.
In a televised address on Friday, the former head of state stressed that the issues have shattered national unity and left the country vulnerable.
The tensions between the two former allies have deepened over the years, with Tshisekedi’s administration accusing Kabila of supporting the M23/AFC insurgency. Last month, the Ministry of Justice ordered legal proceedings against Kabila as well as the seizure of his assets over alleged ties with the rebel group.
On Thursday, May 22, the Congolese Senate voted to lift Kabila’s immunity as senator for life, opening the door for legal proceedings against him on treason-related charges.
Kabila, 53, ruled the DRC from 2001 until January 2019. His current activities, including his visit to the rebel stronghold, signal an escalating political crisis, even as M23 accuses the Kinshasa administration of lacking commitment to resolving the conflict through the Qatar-led process.
