Democratic Republic of Congo’s Senate has voted overwhelmingly in favour of lifting former President Joseph Kabila’s immunity from prosecution in a late-night session on Thursday, following accusations of his alleged ties to the M23 rebel group.
Kabila is wanted in Congo on charges of alleged crimes against humanity, stemming from his purported support for the M23 insurgency in the country’s eastern regions. The charges include involvement in the massacre of civilians and government personnel. In response to the developments, the Congolese government has moved to suspend his political party and begin the process of seizing its assets.
Joseph Kabila, who firmly denies any connection to the M23 rebel group, had stepped down from power in 2018 after nearly two decades as president. His departure followed widespread protests demanding democratic transition. Since late 2023, Kabila has been living in exile in South Africa.
In the Senate, the motion to lift his immunity was passed through a secret ballot with 88 votes in favour and only 5 against. The move is seen as a significant escalation in the ongoing legal and political pressure against the former head of state.
Despite the legal actions against him, Kabila has publicly indicated his intentions to return to Congo in recent weeks. He claims he wants to play a role in resolving the crisis in the east, where M23 rebels — widely believed to be backed by Rwanda — have taken control of large parts of the territory.
Observers say that Kabila’s return could further complicate the fragile security situation and hinder peace negotiations. Eastern Congo is a region rich in valuable minerals, and the conflict there has attracted global attention.
The United States, under President Donald Trump’s administration, has shown particular interest in the region’s mineral resources. According to Massad Boulos, Trump’s senior adviser for Africa, Washington is pushing for a peace agreement between the Congolese government and rebel factions to be signed by the summer. The deal would include mineral contracts aimed at unlocking billions of dollars in Western investment for the region.
Joseph Kabila rose to power in 2001 following the assassination of his father, President Laurent-Désiré Kabila. He remained in office beyond the end of his official term in 2016, leading to deadly protests across the country. He eventually agreed to step down after elections were held in 2018, marking a rare peaceful transfer of power in the DRC’s history.
The decision to lift his immunity marks a historic moment in Congolese politics and raises questions about Kabila’s future and the broader implications for stability and justice in the region.
