THE Democratic Republic of Congo has suspended former President Joseph Kabila’s political party and ordered the seizure of his assets, accusing him of aiding the M23 rebel group — a move that signals a dramatic escalation in the country’s internal political tensions.
In twin statements issued late on Saturday, the interior ministry announced the suspension of Kabila’s Party for Reconstruction and Democracy (PPRD), while the justice ministry declared that the assets of Kabila and his senior allies would be confiscated. Authorities cited support for M23 rebels and acts ‘amounting to high treason’.
Both ministries confirmed that prosecutors have been directed to open legal proceedings, although no specifics were provided on the allegations.
The M23 group, widely believed to be backed by Rwanda, has seized control of two strategic cities in eastern Congo since the beginning of the year, reigniting long-standing regional instability.
No comment yet from Kabila
Joseph Kabila, 53, who led the country from 2001 until 2019, has not issued any response to the government’s actions. Having ruled for nearly two decades following the assassination of his father, Laurent-Désiré Kabila, the former leader resisted stepping down in 2016 at the end of his term, eventually relinquishing power in 2019 after intense public pressure and deadly protests.
Kabila, who has been living in various African nations since leaving office, recently signalled intentions to return to the DRC to help find a solution to the worsening security situation.
PPRD slams government move
Ferdinand Kambere, secretary of the PPRD, told Reuters that the move was politically motivated and unconstitutional. ‘This is a flagrant violation of Congo’s constitution and laws,’ he said in response to the suspension.
The PPRD was once the dominant political force in the DRC, controlling the presidency and parliament during Kabila’s tenure. Its suspension is a significant blow to the former ruling establishment and could deepen already simmering tensions in the run-up to future political contests.
Rebels tighten grip on mineral-rich east
The eastern provinces of Congo have been plagued by violence for decades, with the M23 and other militias battling for control of mineral-rich areas. The latest resurgence in conflict has destabilised large parts of the region and led to renewed accusations of foreign interference, particularly involving Rwanda.
The M23 rebellion has roots in the complex aftermath of the 1994 Rwandan genocide and the struggles for influence and resources that followed. Rwanda has repeatedly denied supporting the group, though Kinshasa has remained adamant that it is receiving external backing.
Kabila’s alleged ties to the group, if substantiated, could mark one of the most serious political and legal challenges faced by a former Congolese president in recent history.
