Authorities in the Democratic Republic of Congo have begun proceedings to strip former President Joseph Kabila of his immunity from prosecution, following accusations that he is linked to the M23 rebel group operating in the country’s eastern region.
Justice Minister Constant Mutamba announced that there is a “substantial body of documents, testimony and material facts” implicating Kabila in supporting the M23 insurgents.
The armed group currently controls swathes of eastern DR Congo, a region known for its rich mineral deposits, following significant territorial gains earlier this year.
Kabila, 53, has not publicly responded to the latest allegations.
However, he has previously denied any involvement with the M23, a group long accused of destabilizing the region and contributing to mass displacements.
The former president ruled DR Congo for 18 years, assuming power in 2001 at the age of 29 after the assassination of his father, Laurent Kabila.
Upon stepping down in 2019, he was granted the position of “senator for life,” a status that provides legal immunity from prosecution.
In a bid to initiate legal proceedings, the country’s military prosecutor has formally requested the Senate to lift Kabila’s immunity.
Kabila has reportedly been residing in South Africa for the past two years.
However, in early April, he declared his intention to return to DR Congo to contribute to resolving the ongoing conflict in the east.
This announcement was soon followed by unverified reports that he had returned and was in Goma, a major city currently held by the M23.
These claims were denied by his political party, the People’s Party for Reconstruction and Democracy.
Last month, the government banned the PPRD, citing its “ambiguous attitude” towards the M23’s occupation of Congolese territory.
Meanwhile, tensions between DR Congo and neighboring Rwanda—accused of backing the M23, a claim it denies—appear to be easing. The two nations signed a preliminary agreement in Washington last week, with both sides indicating that a draft peace deal is expected by Friday. The conflict has already forced hundreds of thousands of civilians from their homes, deepening the humanitarian crisis in the region.
