The Senate in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has voted to lift the immunity of former President Joseph Kabila, paving the way for his prosecution. In a secret ballot held on Thursday night, 88 lawmakers voted in favour, with only five opposed.
Kabila, who ruled the DRC for nearly two decades before stepping down in 2018, has been accused of supporting the M23 rebel group operating in the country’s east. Authorities say they have gathered evidence linking him to treason, war crimes, crimes against humanity, and insurrection.
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The former president had enjoyed protection from prosecution under his status as a senator for life. However, earlier this month, the Congolese military’s attorney general requested that his immunity be lifted.
Kabila has not commented on the development. His party, the PPRD, has dismissed the move as political theatre, while President Felix Tshisekedi has suspended the party and ordered raids on Kabila’s properties.
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