DR Congo Moves to Strip Ex-President Kabila of Immunity

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) government has formally requested the senate to lift the legal immunity of former president Joseph Kabila, citing alleged involvement in supporting the M23 rebel group and plotting an insurrection against the state.

President Felix Tshisekedi has accused Kabila, who currently holds the lifelong title of senator, of backing a coalition that includes the M23 armed group, which has been engaged in heavy fighting with government forces in eastern DRC.

Speaking at a press briefing on Wednesday, Justice Minister Constant Mutamba stated: “The Congolese judiciary has gathered compelling and irrefutable evidence proving the direct involvement of senator for life Joseph Kabila in war crimes, crimes against humanity, and the massacre of peaceful civilians.”

Although Kabila enjoys immunity from prosecution due to his status, Mutamba revealed that his ministry has directed the armed forces’ general auditor to submit a formal request to the senate for authorization to prosecute and revoke Kabila’s immunity. If approved, Kabila would be tried before the High Military Court.

The M23 rebel group, which has seized strategic cities such as Goma and Bukavu this year, is believed by Kinshasa, the United Nations, and several international observers to be backed by Rwanda.

While the senate—largely controlled by President Tshisekedi’s party—deliberates on the request, the international community continues to call for de-escalation and diplomatic efforts to end the conflict.

Kabila, who has been residing in South Africa since the 2023 elections, recently declared plans to return to DRC to help address the ongoing security crisis in the east. In a related development, the government suspended his political party, the People’s Party for Reconstruction and Democracy (PPRD), accusing it of remaining silent amid M23’s recent advances.