Kabila’s return deepens DRC divide: Tshisekedi cries coup, M23 cheers, Rwanda watches

The Democratic Republic of Congo is bracing for a political storm. Former president Joseph Kabila, once ousted amid mass protests, has announced a surprise return after an exile. But he’s not walking into the same DRC he left. Armed rebellions, particularly by the M23 group, have reshaped eastern Congo, cutting off vital cities like Goma from government control. As Kinshasa accuses Rwanda of backing rebels and even suspects Kabila of fueling an insurrection, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Could Kabila be the missing piece needed to broker peace between Kinshasa and M23? Or will his return light a fuse in an already explosive situation? With peace talks failing, a divided army, and regional powers watching closely, we break down how old rivalries, mineral politics, and unfinished wars are dragging Congo to a dangerous crossroads. Is the DRC headed toward peace — or another bloody chapter? Ananya Dutta decodes in this episode of Grey Zone.