DR Congo Says Kabila Is Being Prosecuted in Part for Allegedly Traveling to Rwanda
The government of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has stated that one of the reasons it is prosecuting former President Joseph Kabila Kabange is suspicion that he traveled to Rwanda.
Last month, Kabila—who has been in exile—announced his intention to return to the DRC through the eastern part of the country.
A few days later, reports emerged suggesting that the former head of state had been in Goma since January this year. This prompted the Congolese government in Kinshasa to take severe measures: launching legal proceedings against him, suspending his political party (PPRD), and freezing all his assets.
On April 24, Interior Minister Jacquemain Shabani issued a statement to the Prosecutor General at the Constitutional Court, calling for legal action against Kabila. He accused the ex-president of making unauthorized trips to Rwanda or areas under M23 rebel control.
He said: “As a former Head of State, he should not have traveled to Rwanda or territories controlled by invaders without informing state institutions. Article 5 of Law No. 18/021 of July 26, 2018, which defines the status of former elected presidents, requires them to uphold responsibilities of dignity, patriotism, and loyalty.”
So far, no verifiable evidence confirms Kabila was in Rwanda or Goma, and no images have surfaced to support the claim. His party, PPRD, has denied the allegations.
Interestingly, shortly after rumors of him being in Goma, Kabila appeared in Mbabane, Eswatini, attending King Mswati III’s birthday celebration.