Kabila’s Strategic Pact with M23: Is a Parallel Government Emerging in D.R. Congo?
Ujasusi Blog’s Great Lake Region Monitoring Team | May 31, 2025 at 2330 BST
In a move that has sent shockwaves through Congolese politics and the wider Great Lakes region, former Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) President Joseph Kabila has staged a dramatic return to political life — not through the ballot box or official platforms, but by aligning himself openly with M23/AFC rebel leaders in Goma. This unprecedented development, confirmed through official statements and imagery shared on social media, symbolises a turning point in Kabila’s post-presidency trajectory.
What began as speculation about Kabila's links to rebel movements has now crystallised into public action. Not only did Kabila defy multiple travel restrictions and government threats, he chose to hold a meeting with leaders of an armed group currently at war with the state. The symbolism, timing, and location of this meeting indicate far more than a bid for “peace.” Rather, they point to the construction of a parallel political power bloc, one that directly undermines President Félix Tshisekedi’s legitimacy and authority.
This article offers an in-depth analysis of the political implications of this event, including a forward-looking outlook into whether Kabila's ultimate plan is to dethrone Tshisekedi.