Congo Senate Lifts Kabila's Immunity, Paving Way f...

Congo Senate Lifts Kabila's Immunity, Paving Way for War Crimes Prosecution

Zim Now Writer

The Senate of the Democratic Republic of Congo has voted overwhelmingly to lift the parliamentary immunity of former President Joseph Kabila, a significant step that could lead to his prosecution for alleged involvement in war crimes and support of rebel activities in the country's troubled east.

Senate Speaker Jean-Michel Sama Lukonde confirmed the decision on Thursday, stating, “The Senate authorizes the prosecution and lifting of Joseph Kabila’s immunity.”

The vote follows a formal request from the army's attorney general earlier this month to revoke Kabila's lifetime legal protection, granted by his status as senator for life.

Justice Minister Constant Mutamba said Kabila is accused of “treason, war crimes, crimes against humanity and participation in an insurrectional movement” tied to the escalating conflict in eastern Congo. The former president has not yet commented publicly on the Senate’s decision.

The move comes amid intensifying violence in the region. The M23 rebel group, reportedly backed by neighboring Rwanda, has seized key cities including Goma in January and Bukavu in February, sparking a humanitarian crisis.

Human Rights Watch recently reported that Congolese army-aligned militias known as “Wazalendo” have committed serious abuses against civilians, including killings, beatings, and extortion.

The Congolese government has accused M23 of mass atrocities, including murder, kidnapping, rape, and looting. President Félix Tshisekedi has publicly alleged that Kabila is colluding with the rebels and preparing an insurrection, accusations the former president denies.

Joseph Kabila ruled Congo from 2001 to 2019, succeeding his father, Laurent Kabila, after his assassination. His tenure was marked by delayed elections and persistent unrest in mineral-rich eastern Congo, where more than 100 armed groups operate.

Despite a recent truce agreement between Congo’s army and M23, clashes continue in the eastern province of South-Kivu, raising doubts over the effectiveness of diplomatic efforts to restore peace.

If charges proceed, the trial of Kabila would mark an unprecedented legal action against a former Congolese head of state, potentially reshaping the country’s political landscape and addressing long-standing demands for justice in the conflict-ravaged east.