US EditionCongo-Kinshasa: DR Congo Seeks to Remove Ex-President Kabila's Immunity From Prosecution
- On April 24, 2025, the Democratic Republic of Congo requested its Senate to revoke the legal protections that shield former President Joseph Kabila from prosecution, enabling charges against him for allegedly supporting rebel forces in the eastern region.
- The request follows allegations and evidence by Congo's judiciary linking Kabila to war crimes and backing the Rwanda-supported M23 rebel group that seized key eastern cities this year.
- Kabila ruled from 2001 to 2019, was granted lifetime Senate immunity, and denies accusations despite President Tshisekedi's claims that Kabila backed an insurrection aided by the M23 rebels.
- Justice Minister Constant Mutamba said the judiciary holds "the most tangible and irrefutable evidence" against Kabila, and Kabila’s deputy described the prosecution effort as relentless political persecution.
- If the Senate approves, Kabila could face trial in the High Military Court amid ongoing eastern conflict and fears of deteriorating political stability upon his planned return from self-imposed exile.
31 Articles
31 Articles
Congo-Kinshasa: DR Congo Seeks to Remove Ex-President Kabila's Immunity From Prosecution
The government of the Democratic Republic of Congo has asked the senate to lift the immunity of former president Joseph Kabila, who has been accused of helping the armed rebel group M23 and has indicated he will return to the country.
DR Congo seeks to lift former president Kabila’s immunity over alleged war crimes
Justice Minister Constant Mutamba announced that the Congolese military prosecutor has submitted a formal request to the Senate to lift Kabila’s immunity. As a former head of state, Kabila holds the status of senator for life, which currently protects him from prosecution.
The Straits Times
insidepolitic.co.zaCongo moves to lift ex-President Kabila's immunity, accusing him of war crimes
KINSHASA - Democratic Republic of Congo has launched a bid to strip former President Joseph Kabila of immunity so he can face trial on charges of supporting the M23 insurgency in the country's east, where the government is seeking to draft a peace deal this week. Read more at straitstimes.com.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 42% of the sources are Center
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
Ownership
To view ownership data please Upgrade to Vantage
