DRC Gov’t Initiates Legal Action Against Former President Kabila Over Goma Visit
Kabila, who has been in exile since 2023, made a surprise appearance in Goma on Friday this week, arriving in a large convoy escorted by M23 fighters.
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) government has announced the commencement of legal proceedings against former president Joseph Kabange Kabila following his visit to Goma, a city currently under the control of the March 23 Movement (M23) rebels.
Kabila, who has been in exile since 2023, made a surprise appearance in Goma on Friday this week, arriving in a large convoy escorted by M23 fighters. He appeared alongside prominent Congolese journalist Steve Wembi, who has also been living in exile in Rwanda. The visit has fueled widespread speculation that Kabila may be supporting the rebel group.
On Sunday, Justice Minister Constant Mutamba issued a statement confirming that legal proceedings had been initiated against Kabila, who led the DRC for 18 years. Mutamba said his office had directed the Auditor General of the Armed Forces (FARDC) and the Attorney General at the Court of Cassation to begin the legal process.
As part of the measures, Mutamba ordered the seizure of all movable and immovable property belonging to Kabila. He also announced the nationwide suspension of all activities of the People’s Party for Reconstruction and Development (PPRD), of which Kabila is the moral authority.
Several senior PPRD officials had already been questioned in recent weeks over alleged links to the M23 rebels. Movement restrictions have also been imposed on Kabila’s associates implicated in what the government describes as a case of high treason. Kabila has not yet commented on the legal actions taken against him.
