The former president of the Democratic Republic of congo is bound for the courts after the country’s Senate voted to strip off his immunity, allowing for potential prosecution on charges of supporting the M23 rebels.
This decision comes amid accusations that Kabila is backing the M23 insurgency, which has been active in the country’s eastern region.
The Senate’s vote, was overwhelmingly in favor, to remove his honorific immunity, paving the way for him to be held accountable for alleged crimes.
Joseph Kabila, who served as president of the DRC from 2001 to 2019, had been granted immunity as a former president and life-long senator.
However, following accusations by government of his supporting the M23 rebels, who have been active in the eastern part of the country, near the border with Rwanda he has been revoked of this immunity.
The M23 rebels are a rebel group that has been active in the eastern DRC for years, and their recent actions have prompted the DRC government to seek accountability from individuals they believe are supporting the insurgency.
With his immunity lifted, Joseph Kabila will be facing charges that could include “treason, war crimes, crimes against humanity, and participation in an insurrectional movement,” as stated by the justice minister.
This development could have implications for regional peace efforts and the ongoing conflict in eastern DRC, as it could impact the dynamics between the government, the M23 rebels, and neighboring countries like Rwanda.
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