The Democratic Republic of Congo’s senate has stripped former President Joseph Kabila of his immunity, paving the way for his prosecution over alleged backing of rebels in the east.
Authorities accuse him of treason, war crimes, and crimes against humanity, citing a substantial body of documents, testimony, and material facts linking Kabila to the M23 armed group.
The former president, who led the country from 2001 to 2019, has denied any connection with the insurgents.
Nearly 90 senators voted in favor of his prosecution. Kabila’s party termed his prosecution “pure theatre” aimed at distracting Congolese people from the main challenges facing the country.
The move could further destabilize the country’s already volatile politics as conflict rages with the M23 militia in the mineral-rich east.
