### The presence of Joseph Kabila in Goma: between dialogue and political tensions
The return of the former Congolese president, Joseph Kabila, to Goma raises a set of essential questions on the evolution of politics in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). While initiating discussions with influential figures from the region, Kabila seems to be skillfully navigating among various actors, ranging from religious leaders to factions such as the M23 and the Alliance of Change Forces (AFC). This strategic meeting occurs in a context of distrust of central power, which fears a resurgence of Kabila’s influence.
### A complex political dynamic
Kabila’s initiative to consult various actors is part of a political tradition where dialogue is envisaged as a way to appease tensions. However, it is crucial to wonder if these discussions really focus on a desire for reconciliation or if they are coverage for more personal and potentially divisive political ambitions. The calls of the National Episcopal Conference of Congo (CENCO) and the Church of Christ in Congo (ECC) in favor of an inclusive dialogue underline a collective will to seek peace. However, their ability to establish a trusted environment remains to prove in an atmosphere marked by anxiety and disenchantment.
### Between popular aspirations and political tactics
The Congolese population expresses a desire for change, as evidenced by the popular claim that “Kabila has passed”. This affirmation resonates as a call for new governance, based on transparency and ethics. In this context, the presence of Kabila in Goma seems however to arouse doubts. Can we really consider these negotiations as goodwill gestures or do they perceive a maneuver intended to reshape the political landscape promoting a reconfiguration of power?
It is legitimate to ask this question, especially in a country where the scars of internal struggles and coups are still clearly visible. Political actors, both institutional and militiaries as well as the population, are then confronted with the need for a choice: favoring peace or trying to slow down a potential reconstruction of a old regime.
### The dangers of an ambiguous strategy
Kabila’s strategy seems to oscillate between a desire for dialogue and preparation for other potential confrontations. Such ambiguity in intentions could, if it is not controlled, lead to climbing tensions and conflicts. The involvement of armed factions in this dialogue process fuels fears of a deterioration in security and a return to harmful practices. It is essential that these consultations are supervised by regulatory mechanisms ensuring that dialogue does not evolve as a manipulation tool.
### to a democratic transition
The current situation challenges the sustainability of a political system where the personal ambitions and the interests of dominant groups seem to be more immersed than the general interest. Institutions should strive to strengthen democratic mechanisms in order to guarantee a balance of powers and to prevent the aspirations of the people to be compromised by behind -the -scenes games.
It is to be hoped that the next few weeks do not bring a new spiral of violence, but rather a sincere dialogue which makes it possible to build a fairer future for the Congolese people.
### Conclusion
The future of the DRC is based on its ability to transcend individual ambitions for the benefit of a collective political project, where the voices of all citizens are listened to and taken into account. The need for real and inclusive dialogue, with solid guarantees against manipulations, appears more than ever as a sine qua non condition for the country’s peace and stability. The outcome of this period could well determine the foundations of a more solid democracy in the Democratic Republic of Congo.