Kabila, who governed from 2001 to 2019 after succeeding his father Laurent Kabila, has consistently denied these claims. His recent appearance in Goma has garnered mixed reactions. A youth leader from his party, Innocent Mirimo, expressed relief at Kabila's return, depicting it as a familial reunion. However, the Congolese government has accused Kabila of war crimes and treason, asserting they possess substantial evidence linking him to the M23 forces.

The M23 rebel group, which has been in conflict with the Congolese army, made significant territorial advances in recent years and captured Goma in January. Kabila's party, the People's Party for Reconstruction and Democracy (PPRD), was previously banned by Kinshasa due to alleged sympathies towards the rebels. As tensions mount, Kabila’s remarks portraying the Congolese government as a "dictatorship" have been met with firm rejection from officials, who insist he has failed to contribute positively to the country’s well-being.

In the wake of the ongoing M23 conflict, which has already displaced numerous civilians, Kabila's return symbolizes a complicated chapter in DR Congo's turbulent political landscape. Whether he will play a constructive role in addressing the strife remains to be seen.