Fri May 23 13:03:11 UTC 2025: ## Congolese Senate Strips Ex-President Kabila of Immunity, Opening Door to Prosecution

**Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo** – In a landmark vote that could dramatically reshape Congolese politics, the Senate of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) voted overwhelmingly Thursday night to lift the immunity of former President Joseph Kabila. The vote, conducted via secret ballot, saw 88 senators in favor and only five against, paving the way for Kabila to face prosecution on charges of treason, war crimes, and crimes against humanity.

The accusations stem from alleged links between Kabila and the M23 armed group, a rebel faction controlling significant territory in eastern DRC and reportedly backed by Rwanda. Authorities claim to possess “clear evidence” implicating the former president in the rebellion.

Kabila, who stepped down in 2018 after nearly two decades in power, has denied any connection to the M23 rebels. He previously held immunity from prosecution due to his status as a senator for life, a title now stripped away following the Senate vote.

Senate Speaker Jean-Michel Sama Lukonde announced the decision, stating, “The Senate authorizes the prosecution and lifting of Joseph Kabila’s immunity.” Kabila himself has yet to comment on the development.

Tensions between Kabila and his successor, President Felix Tshisekedi, have been escalating for months. Tshisekedi previously accused Kabila of supporting the rebels and “preparing an insurrection” in eastern DRC, leading to the suspension of Kabila’s People’s Party for Reconstruction and Democracy (PPRD) and raids on his properties.

The PPRD has denounced the prosecution as a “theatre” designed to divert attention from the ongoing conflict and corruption within the country. Deputy Secretary-General Ferdinand Kambere told AFP that the charges are politically motivated.

Kabila has been residing outside the DRC since late 2023, primarily in South Africa, but has recently voiced increasing criticism of Tshisekedi and hinted at a return to help resolve the conflict in the east. His potential return could further complicate efforts to quell the rebellion, with unconfirmed reports circulating in April suggesting he was already in the region.

Despite ongoing peace talks facilitated in Doha, Qatar, fighting continues in eastern DRC, particularly in the South Kivu province. The M23’s ambition is to control the mineral-rich region and potentially seize power in Kinshasa. The recent capture of Goma and Bukavu in January and February respectively underscores the group’s growing strength and the fragility of the security situation in the eastern DRC. The lifting of Kabila’s immunity marks a significant turning point in the crisis and could have far-reaching consequences for the future of the DRC.

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