Fri May 23 23:12:37 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

Former Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) President Joseph Kabila is fighting back against accusations of treason, war crimes, and supporting the M23 rebel group. His immunity was recently lifted by the Congolese Senate, paving the way for his prosecution. Kabila, in self-imposed exile since 2023, claims the justice system is being used as a tool of oppression. He denies any connection to the rebels, emphasizing his commitment to the DRC’s sovereignty. This development could complicate peace efforts in the conflict-ridden east, which holds valuable mineral resources that are of interest to the US.

**News Article:**

**Kabila Denies Rebel Links, Accuses DRC Government of Political Persecution**

KINSHASA, DRC – Former Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) President Joseph Kabila has vehemently denied accusations of treason, war crimes, and supporting the M23 rebel group operating in the country’s east. His denial comes after the Congolese Senate voted to lift his immunity, clearing the path for his prosecution.

In a livestreamed address from an undisclosed location, Kabila, who ruled the DRC from 2001 to 2019, denounced the country’s justice system as “an instrument of oppression for a dictatorship desperately trying to survive.” He specifically refuted claims of supporting the Rwanda-backed M23 rebels, who have seized control of key cities in the conflict-stricken east.

“As a soldier, I swore to defend my country to the supreme sacrifice … I remain more faithful than ever to this oath,” Kabila stated, emphasizing his unwavering commitment to the DRC’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Justice Minister Constant Mutamba previously stated that Kabila’s alleged crimes include “treason, war crimes, crimes against humanity and participation in an insurrectional movement.”

The former president, who has been in self-imposed exile since 2023, has repeatedly stated his intention to return to the DRC to help resolve the ongoing crisis. His return, however, could potentially complicate efforts to quell the rebellion in the east, a region rich in critical minerals that the US government, under the Trump administration, has expressed keen interest in accessing.

Washington is reportedly pushing for a peace agreement between the DRC and Rwanda, alongside mineral deals aimed at attracting significant Western investment to the region.

Read More