Former Democratic Republic of the Congo President Joseph Kabila, who ruled the country from 2001 to 2019 after the assassination of his father, Laurent Kabila, has increasingly clashed with President Felix Tshisekedi’s administration since leaving office.
Last year, a military court sentenced Kabila to death in absentia after convicting him of treason, war crimes and crimes against humanity.
Prosecutors accused him of collaborating with Rwanda and the M23 rebel group. Kabila rejected the charges, describing the proceedings as politically motivated.
Earlier this year, the United States imposed sanctions on the former leader over allegations that he provided financial and political support to armed groups operating in eastern DR Congo.
His reported decision to openly align with M23 is likely to deepen divisions within the country and could further complicate efforts by regional leaders and international partners to stabilise eastern DR Congo and advance a lasting peace process.
AP
