The government of the Democratic Republic of Congo is working to revoke former President Joseph Kabila’s legal immunity, following allegations of his support for rebel groups in the eastern region.
Justice Minister Constant Mutamba stated on Wednesday that there exists a “significant collection of documents, testimonies, and factual evidence” connecting Kabila to the M23 militia.
This group currently holds control over portions of the mineral-rich eastern territory after making considerable progress earlier this year.
Kabila, who is 53 years old, has not publicly addressed these allegations, although he has previously denied any ties to the insurgents.
He governed DR Congo for 18 years, taking over after the assassination of his father, Laurent, in 2001 when Kabila was only 29.
Following his departure from office, he was granted the title of “senator for life,” which provides him with legal protection.
To initiate legal proceedings, the military prosecutor of DR Congo has requested the senate to revoke this immunity.
Kabila has resided outside the country in South Africa for the last two years, but he announced last month his intention to return to assist in resolving the conflict in the east.
Shortly thereafter, there were claims that he had returned and was in Goma, a city under M23 control, but these reports were refuted by his political party, the People’s Party for Reconstruction and Democracy (PPRD).
Recently, the authorities have dissolved the PPRD due to its “ambiguous stance” regarding the M23’s occupation of Congolese land.
Justice Minister Mutamba, who recently mandated the confiscation of Kabila’s assets, stated that the former president ought to return to the nation to ‘confront justice… and provide his defense’.
The Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda, which refutes claims of supporting the M23, appear to be moving closer to a peace agreement aimed at resolving the conflict that has displaced hundreds of thousands of civilians in recent months.
Last week, the two nations signed a preliminary accord in Washington and announced their intention to have a draft agreement ready by Friday.
