• Joseph Kabila has returned to Congo after a two-year exile, generating mixed reactions in Goma.
• The DRC government has suspended Kabila's political party, accusing it of supporting the M23 rebel group.
• The conflict in eastern DRC has escalated, with the M23 gaining significant territory and worsening humanitarian conditions.

Former Congolese President Joseph Kabila returned to the country on Friday, landing in the rebel-held city of Goma after a self-imposed exile lasting two years. His return has raised concerns amidst accusations from the Congolese government that he supports the M23 rebels who have taken control of parts of eastern Congo. Kabila maintains that his visit aims to contribute to peace efforts in the region plagued by violence and instability, stating, “Everyone is talking about Congo without the Congolese … this is not normal,” according to Africanews.

In a significant political development, the DRC's Interior Ministry announced the suspension of Kabila's party, the People's Party for Reconstruction and Democracy (PPRD), citing an "ambiguous attitude" towards the ongoing conflicts involving the M23. The ministry accused Kabila of supporting separatist rebellions and indicated that a prosecutor had initiated legal proceedings against him, with further statements describing actions amounting to high treason, as reported by BBC.

The suspension comes at a tumultuous time, with Kabila's party and its leaders facing asset seizure orders due to their alleged connections with the M23 rebels, who have been implicated in significant violence in the region. The M23 has captured key cities such as Goma and Bukavu, which have contributed to a humanitarian crisis affecting millions, according to the UN, as mentioned in Al Jazeera.

Despite the government’s actions, reactions from Goma residents regarding Kabila's return have been mixed. Some support his stated intentions to help with peace processes, while others express concern that his involvement could exacerbate tensions between the government and the rebels. Analysts warn that Kabila's presence may act as a catalyst for political unrest as peace talks between the DRC government and M23 were already postponed, reflecting the fragile security situation, as highlighted by Reuters.