Kabila, who had been living in exile since late 2023, returned to the rebel-controlled eastern region of the DRC in May 2025 and was received by the AFC/M23 leaders.
Over the last several weeks, he has been holding discussions in Goma with various Congolese groups, including religious leaders, politicians, and civil society members, listening to their ideas on how peace could be achieved in the DRC, particularly in the eastern region where AFC/M23 leaders accuse the Kinshasa administration of exclusion.
After spending more than a month in Goma, on June 24, 2025, Kabila travelled to Bukavu, where he plans to hold further consultations with the Congolese people.
As Kabila explained in a message delivered to the Congolese before his return to the DRC, his talks are based on 12 pillars that he believes will help the country achieve lasting peace.
The pillars include reconciliation among Congolese people, ending the war, improving relations between the DRC and neighbouring countries, dismantling armed groups, and ending authoritarian rule.
The DRC government, however, accuses Kabila's activities in the eastern part of the country of fueling the conflict. It has initiated proceedings against him for charges including treason, involvement in an unauthorised armed group, war crimes, and crimes against humanity.
IGIHE
Source : https://en.igihe.com/politics-48/article/joseph-kabila-begins-consultation-meetings-in-bukavu
