The Senate of the Democratic Republic of Congo is preparing to vote on whether to lift the immunity of former President Joseph Kabila. This decision, scheduled for Thursday, May 22, could potentially lead to legal action against him over accusations of aiding a Rwanda-backed rebel group in the eastern part of the country. Kabila, who was in power from 2001 to 2019, faces serious charges, including treason, war crimes, crimes against humanity, and inciting an insurrection. These charges relate to his alleged support for the M23 group, which has been accused of seizing territory in eastern DRC with Rwanda’s assistance.
Kabila, now 53, has been absent from public life since 2023, though his associates confirm he is not in the country without disclosing his location. Despite stepping down from the presidency, Kabila holds a lifetime senator position, granting him immunity. The government of the current President Félix Tshisekedi has sought to challenge this immunity. Justice Minister Constant Mutamba previously called for military courts to initiate proceedings against Kabila. As part of the legal process, the military prosecutor filed a formal request with the Senate to lift his immunity, prompting the creation of a special commission of lawmakers to investigate the matter.
The Senate’s commission has completed its report and will present its findings during Thursday’s session. A vote will determine whether the Senate supports stripping Kabila of his immunity. If lawmakers approve, further discussions will be needed to establish how to proceed with the case. The decision’s outcome may require approval from a two-thirds majority in both houses of parliament, though the Tshisekedi administration’s significant majority may help secure this threshold.
Kabila, the only former Congolese president to hold the title of senator for life, is facing increased political pressure. Tensions have escalated in recent months, with Kabila hinting at a possible return to the political arena and criticising the current government. In response, the administration has taken steps such as suspending his political party, the People’s Party for Reconstruction and Democracy (PPRD), and conducting raids on his properties.
