DR Congo Senate to Vote on Lifting Kabila’s Immunity over Treason Allegations
The Senate of the Democratic Republic of Congo will hold a crucial session today, May 22, to decide whether to lift the parliamentary immunity of former president Joseph Kabila, who faces serious allegations of treason and war crimes.
Kabila, who led the country from 2001 to 2019, is accused by President Félix Tshisekedi’s government of backing the M23 rebel group, which has seized territory in eastern Congo with alleged support from Rwanda. Authorities say the former leader conspired with the armed group, fuelling instability in a region long plagued by conflict.
Justice Minister Constant Mutamba has asked military courts to open proceedings against Kabila. A formal request was submitted by the military prosecutor for the Senate to strip the former president of his immunity, a privilege he holds as a senator for life. In response, the Senate commissioned a 40-member panel to review the case. The panel submitted its report on Wednesday, paving the way for today’s plenary debate and vote.
“The session will be devoted to the presentation and possible adoption of the commission’s findings,” the Senate said, noting that deliberations begin at 1300 GMT.
If lawmakers vote in favour of lifting Kabila’s immunity, it would mark a historic move and potentially open the door to legal proceedings against a former head of state. However, legal experts are divided on whether a two-thirds vote in both legislative chambers is necessary for final approval. President Tshisekedi’s coalition currently commands a strong parliamentary majority, suggesting the threshold may be within reach.
Kabila, 53, has not been seen publicly in the DRC since 2023. His aides have confirmed his absence but declined to reveal his location. Meanwhile, the government has escalated political pressure by suspending Kabila’s party—the People’s Party for Reconstruction and Democracy (PPRD)—and raiding properties linked to him.
The Senate vote comes amid growing tensions between the Tshisekedi government and Kabila loyalists, as speculation grows over the former president’s possible return to the political stage.
