Former Congolese President Joseph Kabila made a surprise appearance in rebel-held Goma, meeting with religious leaders to push for peace in the country’s volatile eastern regions.
Kabila, who has been wanted in Congo for alleged crimes against humanity since 2023, claimed through the meeting that he wishes to see peace return to the eastern part of the country.
The Congolese government accused Kabila of positioning himself as the rebel leader alongside Rwandan President Paul Kagame, allegations his camp denies.
Kabila’s return could complicate Washington’s plans for a peace agreement between Congo and Rwanda, set to be signed this summer with potential mineral deals worth billions of dollars.
The United Nations and Western governments accuse Rwanda of providing arms and troops to the M23 rebels, which Rwanda denies, saying its military acts in self-defense.
