The Senate's decision, made with nearly 90 votes in favor and only five against, allows the military prosecutor’s office to move forward. Allegations claim Kabila, who led the country from 2001 to 2019, has provided backing for the M23 rebels, who have reportedly seized several towns in northeastern Congo's mineral-rich regions. Kabila has consistently denied any ties to the insurgents but has remained silent on these recent accusations.
Senate Speaker Jean-Michel Sama Lukonde confirmed the vote's outcome, emphasizing the gravity of the situation. Kabila, who has been living in South Africa for the past two years, did not appear at the senate for a defense. Last month, speculation arose over his potential return to Congo, but his political party, the People's Party for Reconstruction and Democracy (PPRD), quickly denied that he was in the country.
The PPRD was recently banned due to its "ambiguous attitude" regarding the M23 occupation, and Justice Minister Mutamba has called for Kabila's return to face justice and present his case. Analysts suggest that pursuing charges against Kabila could further complicate the already tense political landscape in Congo, where conflict with the M23 has persisted since 2012.
Kabila's party has dismissed the prosecution as a "theatrical" effort to divert attention from pressing issues facing the nation. As political tensions rise, eyes will be on whether Kabila will return to address the serious charges and how this pivotal moment may impact the ongoing strife in the DR Congo.
Senate Speaker Jean-Michel Sama Lukonde confirmed the vote's outcome, emphasizing the gravity of the situation. Kabila, who has been living in South Africa for the past two years, did not appear at the senate for a defense. Last month, speculation arose over his potential return to Congo, but his political party, the People's Party for Reconstruction and Democracy (PPRD), quickly denied that he was in the country.
The PPRD was recently banned due to its "ambiguous attitude" regarding the M23 occupation, and Justice Minister Mutamba has called for Kabila's return to face justice and present his case. Analysts suggest that pursuing charges against Kabila could further complicate the already tense political landscape in Congo, where conflict with the M23 has persisted since 2012.
Kabila's party has dismissed the prosecution as a "theatrical" effort to divert attention from pressing issues facing the nation. As political tensions rise, eyes will be on whether Kabila will return to address the serious charges and how this pivotal moment may impact the ongoing strife in the DR Congo.
