Democratic Republic of Congo senators voted to remove former president Joseph Kabila's legal protections. Eighty-eight senators supported the decision at the People's Palace on Thursday afternoon. Five lawmakers opposed the move, and three chose not to vote either way. Senators accused Kabila of helping M23 rebels fight against government forces. The special commission charged him with treason and supporting armed groups that commit war crimes.
Eric Nkuba testified that he heard phone calls between Kabila and rebel leaders. The witness said Kabila spoke directly with Corneille Nangaa, who leads the M23 rebel movement. Senators believe Kabila worked with foreign powers to overthrow legal government institutions. Military courts will handle his trial for these serious criminal charges. Government officials seized all property belonging to the former president.
Kabila responded that the senate acted too quickly without following proper procedures. He called the vote a desperate political trick driven by panic among current leaders. The former president said he does not need immunity protection to defend himself against accusations. Kabila visited Goma city last month with M23 fighters providing a security escort. M23 rebels control most areas across North and South Kivu provinces, where fighting continues.
Eric Nkuba testified that he heard phone calls between Kabila and rebel leaders. The witness said Kabila spoke directly with Corneille Nangaa, who leads the M23 rebel movement. Senators believe Kabila worked with foreign powers to overthrow legal government institutions. Military courts will handle his trial for these serious criminal charges. Government officials seized all property belonging to the former president.
Kabila responded that the senate acted too quickly without following proper procedures. He called the vote a desperate political trick driven by panic among current leaders. The former president said he does not need immunity protection to defend himself against accusations. Kabila visited Goma city last month with M23 fighters providing a security escort. M23 rebels control most areas across North and South Kivu provinces, where fighting continues.
