GOMA, DR Congo — Former Democratic Republic of Congo president Joseph Kabila has resurfaced in a rare interview from rebel-controlled Goma, denying accusations of treason and links to the M23 militia, even as he hinted at manipulation of the country’s disputed 2018 election.
Kabila, who ruled the mineral-rich nation for 18 years, is currently living under the protection of the M23 rebel group in eastern Congo — a group his successor, Félix Tshisekedi, accuses him of leading.
Convicted of treason and sentenced to death in absentia last year, Kabila dismissed the charges as politically motivated, describing attempts to link him to the rebellion as “stupidity.”
“Trying to link the rebellion to Mr. Kabila is just stupidity,” he said, referring to himself in the third person.
The former president’s re-emergence comes amid escalating tensions in eastern Congo, where M23 fighters — widely reported by the United Nations to be backed by Rwanda — seized control of Goma in 2025.
Kabila acknowledged he was living in M23-controlled territory but insisted this was circumstantial rather than ideological. “I’m home,” he said, questioning why he should not be in the capital, Kinshasa.
His presence in the region has intensified accusations from Kinshasa. Government spokesperson Patrice Muyaya alleged that Kabila is aligned with Rwanda and advancing its interests — a claim the former leader rejected.
In one of the interview’s most striking moments, Kabila appeared to concede involvement in shaping the outcome of the 2018 election that brought Tshisekedi to power, despite widespread allegations that opposition candidate Martin Fayulu had won.
“We… thought it was important for the president to have the majority and for there to be a coalition,” Kabila said, describing what observers have long alleged was a backroom power-sharing arrangement.
He later expressed regret over the decision, saying: “You can play games with quite a lot of things, but one of those should not be the leadership of a country.”
The remarks revive long-standing concerns about electoral integrity in Congo, a country whose political history has been shaped by contested transitions and external influence.
Kabila also rejected accusations of authoritarianism during his tenure, despite documented cases of political repression. Activist Fred Bauma, who was detained for 18 months under Kabila’s rule, dismissed the claims, saying the former president would “have a hard time looking in the mirror.”
The interview also touched on Kabila’s personal narrative. Despite allegations of vast wealth accumulation during his presidency, he portrayed himself as a “farmer” and denied corruption claims tied to his administration.
The broader conflict in eastern Congo remains deeply entangled in regional geopolitics, resource competition, and historical grievances dating back to the aftermath of the 1994 Rwandan genocide.
Efforts to stabilise the region, including a peace deal reportedly backed by U.S. President Donald Trump, have yet to halt fighting.
Kabila’s return to Congo after years in self-imposed exile in South Africa has fuelled speculation about his political intentions. However, when pressed on whether he seeks to reclaim power, he remained evasive.
“What the Congo needs are patriots,” he said. “People who can really put it back on track.”
Yet, in a remark that may deepen political intrigue, Kabila also described himself as the country’s foremost patriot — leaving open questions about his future role in a nation still grappling with conflict, contested legitimacy, and fragile governance.
