DR Congo senate strips ex-president of immunity over treason prices

[ad_1] The Democratic Republic of Congo's senate has stripped former President Joseph Kabila of his immunity, paving the best way for his prosecution over his alleged backing of rebels within the east.

Authorities have accused him of treason and struggle crimes, saying there was a "substantial physique of paperwork, testimony and materials information" linking Kabila to the M23 armed group, which has taken management of a number of cities within the mineral-rich east.

Kabila, 53, has not commented on the accusations however has prior to now denied any reference to the insurgents.

Practically 90 senators on Thursday voted in favour of his treason prosecution, whereas 5 opposed it.

"The senate authorises the prosecution and lifting of Joseph Kabila's immunity," declared senate Speaker Jean-Michel Sama Lukonde after Thursday's vote.

The previous president, who led the nation between 2001 and 2019, didn't seem earlier than the senate to defend himself.

After stepping down, he was given the title of "senator for all times", which provides him authorized immunity.

So as to pursue the costs towards him, DR Congo's army prosecutor had requested the senate to raise this privilege.

Kabila has been dwelling exterior the nation, in South Africa, for the previous two years. However originally of final month he stated he can be returning to assist discover a resolution to the battle within the east.

Just a few weeks later, there have been experiences that the previous president had come again and was in Goma, one of many cities captured by the M23.

However these had been denied by his political get together, the Folks's Occasion for Reconstruction and Democracy (PPRD).

Final month, the authorities banned the PPRD due to its "ambiguous angle" to the occupation of Congolese territory by the M23.

Ordering the seizure of Kabila's property, Justice Minister Mutamba stated the previous president ought to return to the nation and "face justice... and current his defence".

Analysts say any trial of Kabila may additional destabilise the nation, which has been battling the M23 insurrection since 2012.

Kabila's get together termed his prosecution "pure theatre" geared toward distracting Congolese folks from the primary challenges dealing with the nation, AFP information company reported.