It is the end of a political exile that started more than a year ago.

Former president of the Democratic Republic of Congo Joseph Kabila has arrived in Goma, in the east of the country.

The Rwanda-backed M23 rebels, who control the capital of Nord Kivu since January, confirmed his arrival on Monday.

“The former president of the DRC, Joseph Kabila, has arrived in the city of Goma. We wish him a pleasant stay in the liberated areas”, M23 spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka posted on X.

The event sparked contrasted reactions among the people of Goma.