Joseph Kabila Leaves Eastern DRC Amid Treason Trial & M23 Allegations

Former President Joseph Kabila, who appeared in Goma and Bukavu earlier this year amid ongoing violence by Rwanda-backed rebels, has reportedly left eastern DRC. According to African Intelligence, Kabila is now in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire, while his wife and children are based in Nairobi, Kenya.

Kabila's presence in the east came during a critical moment when the Rwandan army (RDF) and the M23 rebels faced mounting international sanctions. At the height of global condemnation, including actions from the UN, Canada, the UK, Belgium, Germany, and the EU, Kigali’s diplomatic standing had collapsed. Observers say Paul Kagame pressured Kabila to appear in Goma as a political distraction to appease the international community.

During this time, Kabila publicly expressed support for the M23-RDF rebellion, claiming they represented “the people’s aspirations,” a narrative many called misleading and dangerous.

Now, thanks to the diplomatic efforts of President Félix Tshisekedi, backed by mediators from Qatar and the United States, the Rwandan military has begun a full withdrawal from eastern DRC, and hostilities have ceased without any compromise on Congolese sovereignty. In this new context, Kabila has quietly exited the region.

Despite his past role, Kabila’s presence yielded no concrete results on the ground. His influence was publicly questioned by Masad Boulos, a senior U.S. official, who stated: “Joseph Kabila is not influential.” Similarly, Foreign Minister Thérèse Kayikwaba Wagner clarified earlier this month that Kabila plays no role in the ongoing peace negotiations, neither in Doha nor in the Washington process.

His latest appearance in Abidjan, reportedly to attend a wedding, raises serious concerns among Congolese citizens. Many question what role, if any, the former president continues to play in national affairs while the country remains under pressure from Rwandan-backed armed groups.

Kabila’s quiet departure leaves behind an open trial before the High Military Court, where he faces grave charges, including high treason.