At the opening of the hearing, Deputy Minister of Justice for International Litigation, Samuel Mbemba, emphasized the independence of the judiciary in the face of political pressure and defended the obligation to “file a civil lawsuit in the name of the Republic,” reported Actualite.CD.

Kabila is accused of treason, crimes against the peace and security of humanity, homicide, rape, torture, and participation in an insurrectionist movement, in this case alleged support for the March 23 Movement (M23) rebellion.

The process, which was able to move forward after the lifting of parliamentary immunity, has been denounced by the former president’s supporters as political persecution aimed at weakening his influence. Kabila is currently in Congolese territory, but in the eastern part of the country under the control of the M23.

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