**The Democratic Republic of Congo's senate has voted to lift the immunity of former President Joseph Kabila, who faces serious treason charges related to his alleged support for the M23 rebel group.**
**DR Congo's Senate Moves to Prosecute Ex-President Kabila for Alleged Treason**
**DR Congo's Senate Moves to Prosecute Ex-President Kabila for Alleged Treason**
**Former leader stripped of immunity amid escalating accusations of rebellion support**
The Democratic Republic of Congo's senate has made a significant move by stripping former President Joseph Kabila of his legal immunity, paving the way for potential prosecution amidst accusations of treason linked to his alleged support for rebel forces operating in the eastern part of the country. Kabila, who ruled the nation from 2001 to 2019, has been implicated in backing the M23 armed group, which has captured multiple strategically important towns in the mineral-rich eastern region.
In a recent senate session, nearly 90 senators voted in favor of lifting Kabila's immunity, with only five opposing the decision. Senate Speaker Jean-Michel Sama Lukonde announced the results, stating, "The senate authorizes the prosecution and lifting of Joseph Kabila's immunity." Notably, Kabila did not appear to defend himself before the senate during this session.
Since stepping down, Kabila has held the honorary title of "senator for life," granting him certain legal protections. However, the military prosecutor's request for lifting this privilege established the legal ground for pursuing the case against him. Kabila has resided in South Africa for the past two years but has indicated intentions to return to the DR Congo to assist in resolving the ongoing conflict in the east.
In the days following the senate's vote, speculation arose about Kabila's return to Goma, a city currently under M23 control, but his political party, the People's Party for Reconstruction and Democracy (PPRD), quickly denied these claims. The DR Congo authorities recently banned the PPRD for its alleged “ambiguous attitude” towards the M23's occupation of Congolese territory, further complicating the political landscape.
Justice Minister Mutamba has advocated for Kabila's return, urging him to "face justice" and defend himself against the allegations. Analysts predict that any trial involving Kabila could heighten the instability in a country already struggling with the M23 conflict, which has persisted since 2012. Kabila's party has dismissed the current legal actions as mere "theatre," arguing that it serves as a distraction from pressing national issues.
Kabila assumed the presidency at the age of 29 after the assassination of his father, Laurent Kabila. Although he initially supported Felix Tshisekedi's rise to power, the relationship between their respective parties has soured over the years. Following Kabila's departure from the DR Congo in early 2023, with official reasoning related to studying in South Africa, the battle between the M23 and the Congolese military continues to escalate, leading to massive displacement among civilians.
Recent developments hint at a potential peace agreement between DR Congo and Rwanda, both of which deny claims of supporting the M23. A preliminary accord was signed in Washington last month, suggesting a possible pathway to end the ongoing conflict that has displaced hundreds of thousands. Meanwhile, three M23 leaders were tried in absentia last year, receiving death sentences for treason, and the government has offered substantial rewards for information leading to their capture.
