Joseph Kabila Stripped of Immunity, Faces Military Prosecution in DRC

Kabila, who holds the status of senator for life, is accused of treason, war crimes, and supporting the M23 rebel group, which currently controls several areas in the eastern part of the country.

The military prosecution had formally requested the lifting of his immunity to allow him to be brought before a court of law.

In a vote marked by a clear majority, 88 senators supported the move to strip him of immunity, five voted against it, and three votes were declared invalid. Kabila did not appear before the Senate when summoned to explain himself.

Available information suggests he may have been outside the country since late 2023, although he was recently reportedly seen in Goma, eastern Congo—an area under M23 control.