** Joseph Kabila In search of peace in Goma: an initiative carrying hope or a return to the controllers? **
On June 3, 2025, Goma found himself under the spotlight, not because of his persistent tensions, but for a series of consultations launched by Joseph Kabila, former president of the Democratic Republic of Congo. This approach, started on May 29 in the presence of religious leaders and customary leaders, aims to assess the local situation and discuss solutions to the security crisis that strikes the east of the country, in particular the province of North Kivu.
Joseph Kabila, a character often perceived as discreet since his withdrawal of power in 2019, makes a significant reappearance here. This initiative raises several questions not only on its political role, but also on the socio-historical context of the country. Indeed, the Goma region is currently the scene of a persistent war, exacerbated by the activism of the M23 movement and subject to the challenges of governance tired by the years of conflicts and ininstatability.
** A listening strategy or late recognition? **
The first days of consultations saw the members of religious confessions and customary chiefs dialogue at length with Kabila. In exchanges, the message of peace has dominated, the local leaders explicitly calling the former president to play an active role in the search for solutions. This request echoes a certain nostalgia, which some Congolese have, for unity and stability, which, according to them, were marks of their mandate.
However, it is legitimate to question the real impact of this initiative. Is it a real desire to assume a political responsibility in times of crisis or is it a maneuver intended to strengthen personal legitimacy in a context where national authority seems to vacillate? Kabila, as a former president, has an undeniable experience, but she must necessarily be accompanied by a return to a prominent political influence?
** The role of religious denominations and customary chiefs **
Their voices, often overlooked in the past, are gaining importance here. Their calls for action are not only symbolic; They reflect a reality experienced by desperate populations, in search of peace. As Joël Amurani, representative of the Simepd synergy, underlines, the religious and customary leaders wish that Kabila can take advantage of his experience to make a positive contribution to peace.
This dynamic highlights the importance of community engagement in conflict resolution. Recognition of the role played by religious and traditional leaders, not only as mediators but also as actors in the search for lasting solutions, could promote a climate of confidence and rebuild social ties degraded by violence.
** towards national reconciliation? **
It is important to note that Kabila’s initiative is part of a broader context of quest for peace in the DRC. Constant calls for national reconciliation and the search for a living together testify to an urgent need to appease eyebrows within a population that has been suffering for too long. A renewed discussion around these themes could potentially open new paths to an intercommunity dialogue.
However, the risk of an exacerbated ethnic nationalism and a polarized debate around political figures from the past remains present. This questions the future evolution of Congolese policy. Does this reactivation of old figures allow a real prospect of change, or does it rather delay the necessary evolution towards a political renewal?
** In conclusion **
If Joseph Kabila’s initiative in Goma raises many hopes, she also calls for a rigorous analysis of her potential. The desire for dialogue is commendable, but it should not mask the complexity of political and social truths in the DRC. The security and social challenges are deeply rooted and require a thoughtful, inclusive and lasting approach.
While Kabila seems to want to reconnect with local dynamics and reposition himself on the political scene, the path to lasting peace in eastern DRC requires more than simple consultations. A real collective will, involving all actors, is essential for this initiative to bear fruit. The national and international community must closely follow these developments, because the return to peace can only be accomplished by a concerted and determined action.