By Enyichukwu Enemanna
The government of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has moved to withdraw the immunity enjoyed by former President Joseph Kabila, potentially paving the way for his prosecution over alleged support for the M23 rebel group in the country’s eastern region.
Justice Minister Constant Mutamba on Wednesday claimed there was a “substantial body of documents, testimony and material facts” linking Kabila to the Rwanda-backed M23 armed group.
Earlier this year, the rebels made significant advances, taking control of major cities in the mineral-rich eastern region of the African nation.
Kabila, 53, who led the DRC for 18 years after succeeding his father Laurent, has previously denied the allegations but has not officially commented on the matter.
He assumed power at the age of 29 following his father’s assassination in 2001.
After leaving office, he was granted the title of “senator for life”, which affords him legal immunity.
The military prosecutor has requested the Senate to revoke this title, enabling Kabila to face charges related to the alleged support of the rebels.
The former leader has been living in South Africa for the past two years, but returned last month, stating he wished to help find a solution to the conflict in the east.
Reports later suggested that Kabila had returned to Goma, one of the cities earlier captured by the M23. However, his political party, the People’s Party for Reconstruction and Democracy (PPRD), denied the report.
Last month, authorities banned the PPRD over its “ambiguous attitude” towards the occupation of Congolese territory by the M23.
Also in March, the Minister of Justice ordered the seizure of Kabila’s assets, insisting the former leader must return to the country to “face justice… and present his defence”.
The DRC and Rwanda, despite Kigali denying it backs the M23, may be edging towards a peace deal to end the fighting, which has displaced hundreds of thousands in recent months.
Following negotiations in Doha, the capital of Qatar, the DRC and M23 rebels agreed to pause hostilities and work towards a broader peace deal, according to a joint statement.
