Overview

• Justice Minister Constant Mutamba has formally requested the Senate to revoke Joseph Kabila's lifetime immunity as a senator for life, citing evidence of war crimes and support for the M23 insurgency.
• Kabila, who denies the allegations, is accused of treason, crimes against humanity, and supporting an insurrection in eastern Congo, where M23 rebels have seized key cities since January 2025.
• The Senate, dominated by President Felix Tshisekedi's party, must approve the request before Kabila can face prosecution in the High Military Court.
• The conflict in eastern DR Congo has killed approximately 3,000 people and displaced 7 million, with ongoing fighting despite efforts toward a truce.
• Authorities recently suspended Kabila's political party, the PPRD, accusing it of complicity in the M23 advance, further escalating political tensions.