Authorities in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) are seeking to lift the immunity of former President Joseph Kabila, accusing him of supporting rebel groups in the country’s eastern regions. Kabila, who governed the DRC for 18 years, is linked to the M23 armed group, which controls parts of the mineral-rich east. Justice Minister Constant Mutamba recently revealed that a significant body of evidence, including documents and testimonies, connects Kabila to the insurgents.
Kabila, 53, has not publicly responded to these accusations, although he has denied any links to the rebels in the past. He ascended to power in 2001 following the assassination of his father, Laurent Kabila, and ruled until 2019. After stepping down, Kabila was granted the title of “senator for life,” which shields him from prosecution. To pursue a case against him, the military prosecutor has requested that the Senate revoke this immunity.
Kabila, currently residing in South Africa, has expressed intentions to return to DRC to help resolve the ongoing conflict in the east. In a surprising turn, reports surfaced last month suggesting that Kabila had returned to Goma, a city recently captured by the M23, although these claims were denied by his political party, the People’s Party for Reconstruction and Democracy (PPRD).
Last month, DRC authorities banned the PPRD due to its alleged ambiguous stance regarding the M23 occupation. Minister Mutamba also ordered the seizure of Kabila’s assets and urged the former president to return to face justice.
The tension surrounding Kabila comes as DRC and Rwanda edge toward a potential peace agreement to end the violence that has displaced hundreds of thousands of civilians. A preliminary deal was signed between the two nations last week, with hopes for a draft by Friday.
Kabila’s legacy is contentious; while his presidency brought stability, it also saw violent protests over election delays and a bitter power struggle with his successor, Félix Tshisekedi.
