Authorities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) are seeking to lift the immunity of former President Joseph Kabila so that he can face trial on charges of supporting a rebel uprising in eastern DRC.
Speaking to reporters on Wednesday evening, Minister of Justice Constant Mutamba stated that authorities have amassed clear evidence implicating Kabila in “war crimes, crimes against humanity, and massacres of peaceful civilians and military personnel”.
This evidence includes a “substantial body of documents, testimony, and material facts” that link the former President to the M23 armed group.
Current President Felix Tshisekedi accused Kabila of supporting the M23 rebels and “preparing an insurrection” in the eastern DRC, a claim which Kabila denied.
M23 is one of approximately 200 armed groups fighting for control of the mineral-rich east near the border with Rwanda.
Since the beginning of the year, M23 has made significant advances, capturing key cities of Goma and Bukavu.
Fighting has killed an estimated 3,000 people, displaced about 7 million people, and worsened one of the world’s largest humanitarian crises.
Kabila led the DRC from 2001 to 2019. After stepping down, he was granted the title of “senator for life,” which gave him legal immunity.
Joseph Kabila has been living outside the country, in South Africa, for the last 2 years. In early April, he said he would return to help find a solution to the conflict in eastern DRC.
Mutamba said the former president should return to the country and “face justice…and present his defence”.
Kabila has not commented on the accusations.