Kabila Denounces DRC’s Justice System Amid Treason Allegations
Joseph Kabila, the former president of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), has sharply criticized the nation’s judicial framework following a recent Senate decision to strip him of his immunity. This action sets the stage for potential charges related to treason and war crimes amid allegations of his connections to the M23 rebel faction.
In a livestreamed address from an undisclosed location on Friday, Kabila—who led the DRC from 2001 until 2019—contended that the judicial system has become "a tool of oppression for a dictatorship desperately clinging to power." This statement came just a day after the Senate’s decisive vote to revoke his lifetime immunity, granted due to his status as a "senator for life."
The 53-year-old politician, who has been in self-imposed exile since 2023, adamantly denies any affiliation with the M23 rebels, who have taken control of crucial urban areas in the eastern region of the country. He criticized the Kinshasa government for making "arbitrary decisions with alarming ease."
Justice Minister Constant Mutamba has laid serious charges against Kabila, which include treason, war crimes, crimes against humanity, and alleged involvement in an insurrection in the eastern provinces.
In his recent comments, Kabila emphasized that the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the DRC are “non-negotiable.” He reaffirmed his commitment to his country, stating, “As a soldier, I vowed to defend my homeland at any cost … I remain unwavering in my oath.”
The political landscape in the DRC is increasingly complicated by Kabila’s potential return, especially against the backdrop of ongoing efforts to stabilize the eastern regions, rich in valuable minerals sought by international powers, including the U.S. government. The Trump administration is reportedly advocating for a peace agreement between the DRC and Rwanda this summer, aiming to facilitate lucrative mineral deals that could draw significant Western investment, as noted by Massad Boulos, a senior adviser for Africa.