Faith Nyasuguta
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is moving to revoke the legal immunity of former President Joseph Kabila, accusing him of backing the M23 rebel group, blamed for deadly violence in the country’s volatile eastern region.
Justice Minister Constant Mutamba revealed that the military prosecutor has formally asked the Senate to lift Kabila’s immunity, a protection he has enjoyed since stepping down in 2019 and assuming the title of life senator.
Mutamba said investigators had compiled “a vast body of documents, witness statements, and essential facts” linking Kabila to the M23 rebellion, which continues to control swathes of territory in North Kivu province. The group, which resumed fighting in 2021, has been accused of numerous war crimes, including the killing of civilians and attacks on Congolese military forces.
In a sweeping response, the Congolese government has suspended Kabila’s party, the People’s Party for Reconstruction and Democracy (PPRD), and announced plans to seize properties and assets belonging to both Kabila and senior party officials. Authorities allege that the former president provided political and logistical support to the M23, worsening an already dire humanitarian crisis in the east.
Kabila, who led the DRC from 2001 to 2019 following the assassination of his father, has denied the accusations. His party has dismissed claims that he recently returned from a two-year stay in South Africa to visit rebel-controlled Goma as “pure fabrication.” The former leader’s allies insist the move is politically motivated and intended to silence opposition voices ahead of future elections.
The timing of the allegations raises concerns about their impact on fragile peace talks between the government and M23, which are being mediated by regional actors and the African Union. Analysts warn that the pursuit of legal action against Kabila could destabilize ongoing negotiations and inflame tensions in a region already struggling with displacement and militia violence.
Over 7 million people have been displaced due to conflict in eastern Congo, with humanitarian agencies warning of worsening conditions. The international community is closely watching how Kinshasa handles the allegations against Kabila amid hopes for lasting peace in the region.
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