Kabila’s Party Suspended as DRC Alleges Treason

The Democratic Republic of the Congo has suspended the political party of former President Joseph Kabila and moved to seize his assets, accusing him of betraying the country by supporting the M23 rebel movement.

The decision, announced by the Interior Ministry late Saturday, signals a major escalation in tensions between Kabila’s political allies and the administration of current President Félix Tshisekedi.

Kabila’s party, the People’s Party for Reconstruction and Democracy (PPRD), was suspended due to what authorities described as its “ambiguous position” on the ongoing occupation of parts of eastern DRC by the M23—a rebel group long suspected of receiving support from neighboring Rwanda. The government says this ambiguity amounts to tacit approval of violence against the Congolese people.

Kabila, who ruled the country from 2001 until 2019, has maintained a relatively low profile since leaving office but has recently voiced interest in returning to the political stage. That return, however, now appears clouded by serious legal and political challenges. Officials have accused him of high treason—a charge that, if proven, could carry severe consequences.

Interior Ministry spokesperson Claude Ngeleka stated, “Anyone who collaborates with or supports armed groups threatening the territorial integrity of our nation must be held accountable.” He added that authorities have begun a legal process to confiscate properties and financial holdings linked to Kabila and senior PPRD figures.

The accusations have been met with fierce resistance from within Kabila’s camp. Ferdinand Kambere, the party’s secretary-general, condemned the suspension, calling it unconstitutional and politically motivated. “This is not about national security,” he said. “This is about silencing a political rival.”

The situation comes at a time when the eastern regions of the DRC are once again experiencing a surge in violence. The M23 has taken control of key areas in North Kivu province in recent months, displacing thousands and straining already limited humanitarian resources.

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The group’s resurgence has revived longstanding fears of regional destabilization.

Kabila has not publicly responded to the allegations, though sources close to him say he denies any ties to the M23. The former leader, who once battled to keep rebels at bay during his time in power, now finds himself accused of enabling them.

The unfolding situation raises difficult questions for the DRC’s fragile democracy and peace process. With elections on the horizon and conflict simmering in the east, the government’s crackdown on political opponents is being watched closely—both at home and abroad.

What remains unclear is whether these latest moves are about justice and national security—or political survival in a country where the past has a long shadow.