DR Congo: Kabila is charged with treason and loses immunity

The DR Congo’s Senate approved a resolution depriving former President Joseph Kabila of immunity following accusations of war crimes and treason from the nation’s military high court.

Kabila, a senator for life, is charged with aiding the AFC/M23 rebels, who hold large areas of eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, including the provincial capitals of North and South Kivu.

In a vote on Thursday, following days of intense discussions behind closed doors, 88 senators supported the proposal, five opposed it, and three votes were deemed invalid.

Legal action against Kabila, who has a falling out with incumbent President Felix Tshisekedi, was approved by the Senate. The accusations have been characterized as a “witch hunt” by members of the former president’s party.

In mid-April, Kabila’s family accused the Congolese security forces of persecuting him when they took over his home in Kinshasa. The Congolese justice ministry declared legal action against Kabila on April 18 and directed that all of his assets in the nation be seized.

After an offensive in January 2025, the AFC/M23 rebels seized Goma and Bukavu cities, and Tshisekedi has previously accused Kabila of being responsible for their actions.

Kabila, who in early April declared his return from a self-imposed exile of six years, has accused his successor of handling the AFC/M23 conflict poorly.

On April 18, Kabila reached the rebel-held city of Goma. He then went back to Southern Africa, where he has been stationed for many years.