The Democratic Republic of Congo’s Senate has revoked the immunity of former President Joseph Kabila, allowing for his prosecution on charges of supporting rebels in the eastern part of the nation. Kabila, who ruled from 2001 to 2019, is accused of treason and war crimes, and the authorities claim to have substantial evidence linking him with the M23 rebel group, which has taken control of several mineral-rich towns. Kabila has previously denied any involvement with the insurgents and has not commented on the accusations. Despite being given the title of “senator for life” with legal immunity after stepping down, the military prosecutor requested that this privilege be lifted in order to pursue charges. Kabila has been residing in South Africa for the past two years, but last month he stated his intention to return and help resolve the conflict in the east. His party has denied reports of his return to Goma, a city captured by the M23. The authorities have also banned Kabila’s party, the People’s Party for Reconstruction and Democracy (PPRD), due to its stance on the M23’s occupation of Congolese territory. The prosecution of Kabila is seen as potentially destabilizing the already conflict-ridden country, which has been experiencing the M23 rebellion since 2012. However, Kabila’s party has dismissed the prosecution as mere “theater” aimed at distracting the Congolese people from the main challenges facing the nation, according to AFP.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cy5ewvprln6o
