On Thursday, May 15, the Senate of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) set up a technical committee to examine the potential removal of legal immunity from former President Joseph Kabila, who is a lifetime senator, so that he can be brought to justice.
According to reports from Parliament, discussions showed divided opinions on the matter. Some senators support lifting his immunity, while others cited Article 224 of the Senate regulations, which requires a Congress vote for such a decision.
As reported by Radio Okapi, the Senate began reviewing a request from the Inspector General of the Armed Forces (FARDC), who seeks to strip Kabila of his immunity. The process is being conducted in secrecy due to the sensitive nature of the case and the significance of the accused, who led the country for 18 years.
Congolese authorities accuse Kabila of being behind or supporting the creation of AFC/M23, the rebel group currently fighting the government and controlling large parts of North and South Kivu.
The former president, now reportedly in exile, is suspected of serious crimes, including war crimes, crimes against humanity, and civilian killings.
