DR Congo Bans Ex-president Josph Kabila’s party over Alleged Rebel Link

Addis Ababa, April 22, 2025 (ENA)—The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has banned the party of former President Joseph Kabila, accusing him of links to the M23 rebel group, fighting the government in large parts of the east of the country.

The ban comes amid reports that Kabila has returned to the country after spending two years in South Africa.

He is said to have returned to the town of Goma, which was seized by the Rwandan-backed M23 in January.

Kabila led DR Congo for 18 years, after succeeding his father Laurent, who was shot dead in 2001. Joseph Kabila was just 29 at the time.
The Interior Ministry of DR Congo announced the suspension of Kabila’s People’s Party for Reconstruction and Democracy (PPRD) and ordered the seizure of assets belonging to him and senior party officials.

Authorities claim the PPRD demonstrated an “ambiguous attitude” toward the M23, whose renewed offensive in eastern DRC has led to major humanitarian crises and the capture of key cities, including Goma and Bukavu.

Kabila, who ruled the central African nation from 2001 to 2019 before seeking self-imposed exile in South Africa, returned to the DRC on 19 April amid surging conflict.

President Félix Tshisekedi has accused him of conspiring with M23 to fuel unrest. Legal proceedings have been initiated, though no formal charges have yet been filed.

 But critics, including Rwandan-based analyst Jean-Baptiste Gasominari, called the move politically motivated and legally dubious in light of the absence of conclusive evidence linking Kabila to rebel activities in the country’s east.

“This is a ridiculous decision,” he said, adding “you can’t suspend a political party or seize assets based purely on allegations.”

Kabila has denied any wrongdoing and stated he returned to help resolve the crisis. His spokesperson promised a public address soon.

The suspension comes just as peace talks with M23 were postponed, raising fears that the country’s fragile stability could further deteriorate under deepening political divisions.