DR Congo officials want to remove former President Joseph Kabila's legal protection after linking him to rebels in the east. Justice Minister Constant Mutamba said Wednesday that they found papers, witness accounts, and facts connecting Kabila to the M23 group. The rebels control areas rich with minerals after making big gains this year. Kabila has not answered these claims but previously denied any ties to the fighters.
Kabila led DR Congo for 18 years after his father, Laurent, was killed in 2001. He became president at just 29 years old. When he left office, he received the title "senator for life," which shields him from legal cases. The military lawyer asked the Senate to take away this protection to bring charges against him.
Kabila has lived in South Africa for two years but said last month he would return to help solve the eastern conflict. His party denied reports he visited Goma, a city the M23 captured. The government banned his political party for not clearly opposing the rebels who took the Congolese land.
Kabila led DR Congo for 18 years after his father, Laurent, was killed in 2001. He became president at just 29 years old. When he left office, he received the title "senator for life," which shields him from legal cases. The military lawyer asked the Senate to take away this protection to bring charges against him.
Kabila has lived in South Africa for two years but said last month he would return to help solve the eastern conflict. His party denied reports he visited Goma, a city the M23 captured. The government banned his political party for not clearly opposing the rebels who took the Congolese land.
