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

Strategic Insights -

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)