The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) seeks to lift the immunity of former President Joseph Kabila, accusing him of supporting the M23 rebel group, which is responsible for the ongoing conflict in the country’s east.
Former President Joseph Kabila faces potential prosecution as the DRC government seeks to lift his immunity over alleged ties to the M23 rebel group.
Justice Minister Constant Mutamba announced that the military prosecutor has formally requested the Senate to lift Kabila’s immunity, a status he has held since his resignation as a life senator in 2019. Mutamba cited a “vast body of documents, witness statements, and essential facts” linking Kabila to the M23 insurgency, which has seized control of key areas in the resource-rich east of the country.
Allegations of war crimes and political fallout
The government accuses Kabila’s support for the M23 of war crimes and crimes against humanity, including massacres of civilians and military personnel. In response, the authorities suspended Kabila’s party, the People’s Party for Reconstruction and Democracy (PPRD), and announced plans to seize assets belonging to Kabila and the party leadership.
Kabila, who ruled the Democratic Republic of Congo from 2001 to 2019, denied any involvement with the M23. Reports of his return to the country after a two-year stay in South Africa, including an alleged visit to the M23-controlled city of Goma, were denied by his party.
These developments come amid ongoing peace negotiations between the government of the Democratic Republic of Congo and the M23, which are supported by international actors. The government’s actions against Kabila could undermine the fragile ceasefire and efforts to stabilize the region.
