** The lifting of Joseph Kabila’s immunities: an institutional and political dilemma in the DRC **
On March 15, 2025, the Senate of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) found itself at the heart of a complex debate on the lifting of the immunities of former President Joseph Kabila. This question, which is part of an already tense political context, arouses strong reactions within public opinion and political bodies. On the one hand, elected officials and lawyers bet on the need to account for justice, while others raise questions about the legitimacy and the implications of such an action.
Francine Muyumba, an eminent figure of the People’s Party for Reconstruction and Democracy (PPRD), expressed its concerns on the question of the legal foundation of the senatorial approach. She maintains that the immunities granted to Joseph Kabila are part of his status as a former president, which places him under the protection of specific legislation. According to her, the Senate could not legally justify such raising, a position which raises questions on the separation of powers and independence of the judiciary in relation to political bodies.
This position is corroborated by other political actors, such as lawyer Laurent Onymba, who considers the lifting of immunities as a “democratic decline”. By highlighting this reasoning, it is relevant to reflect on the role that the senatorial institution plays in the preservation of the balance between the different pillars of the State. The concerns expressed as to the fragmentation of the national fabric is justified, especially since the DRC, historically divided by intense political rivalries, is at a time in its history where unity is essential.
Political tensions are exacerbated by the accusations of complicity which weigh on Kabila, in particular in connection with the Politico-military movement of the Congo River Alliance (AFC). These allegations are themselves part of a dynamic where the current power are confronted with its predecessor and their supporters, leading to actions that may affect the political climate in the long term. While some see it as a need to do justice, others interpret these maneuvers as a political persecution.
The repercussions of a possible lifting of immunities go beyond the individual; They also affect the political parties concerned. The possible dissolution of the PPRD, mentioned by political actors, could give rise to new fractures within the partisan landscape, potentially threatening the ongoing democratic process, already vulnerable to instability.
The current context of the DRC is a complex backdrop, marked by necessary but delicate structural reforms, especially in a country where confidence in institutions is fragile. Instead of accusing each other, it might be useful to initiate a constructive dialogue between the different stakeholders. An approach that favors reconciliation and cohesion could provide solutions to the challenges that everyone must take up.
The observations of Francine Muyumba and other actors highlight the importance of a clear legal framework and respect for institutions. In this period when peace and unity are more than ever necessary, the responsibility of leaders is to build bridges rather than walls. The DRC can then perhaps consider a future where dialogue takes precedence over the conflict.
At the dawn of these crucial decisions, civil society and political actors must come together around an open and fruitful discussion. Only such a path can help draw a future where justice and peace laugh together, thus bringing so dreamy stability in the country.