DR Congo Senate Votes to Strip Kabila of Immunity Over Treason and War Crimes Charges

The DR Congo Senate has voted in favour of a resolution stripping former President Joseph Kabila of his immunity after the country's military high court brought treason and war crimes charges against him. Kabila is accused of supporting the AFC/M23 rebels, who control significant territory in eastern DR Congo, including the capitals of North and South Kivu provinces. The vote, held on Thursday after intense behind-closed-doors deliberations, saw 88 senators vote in favour of the motion, with five voting against and three invalid votes.

Key Takeaways:

• The DR Congo Senate has voted to strip former President Joseph Kabila of his immunity over treason and war crimes charges.
• Kabila is accused of supporting the AFC/M23 rebels, who control territory in eastern DR Congo, including the capitals of North and South Kivu provinces.
• The vote saw 88 senators voting in favour of the motion, with five against and three invalid votes.
• Members of Kabila's party have accused the charges of being part of a 'witch hunt'.
• Kabila's family has accused the Congolese security agencies of persecution.
• President Felix Tshisekedi has accused Kabila of being behind the AFC/M23 rebels, who took control of the cities of Goma and Bukavu in January 2025.
• Kabila has criticized Tshisekedi for mismanaging the AFC/M23 crisis.

Statistics:

• 88 senators voted in favour of the motion to strip Kabila of immunity.
• Five senators voted against the motion.
• Three senators cast invalid votes.
• Kabila has been accused of supporting the AFC/M23 rebels, who control territory in eastern DR Congo.
• The AFC/M23 rebels control the capitals of North and South Kivu provinces.

Sources:

• Reuters (no publish date provided)
• CNN (no publish date provided)