Congo Ex-President Kabila’s Allies Face Military Prosecutor Amid Tensions

Former President Joseph Kabila’s party officials have been invited to meet with a military prosecutor amid allegations of Kabila’s support for M23 rebels. President Tshisekedi has accused Kabila of such ties, prompting Kabila to engage with opposition for future discussions. The questioning serves as a significant reflection of the political tensions related to the ongoing conflict in eastern Congo.

Officials from the People’s Party for Reconstruction and Democracy, associated with former Democratic Republic of Congo President Joseph Kabila, have received invitations to meet with a military prosecutor. This invitation comes amidst rising political tensions linked to the advances of Rwanda-supported rebels in eastern regions of Congo. The precise reasons behind these invitations remain unclear according to Jean Mbuyu, an attorney for the officials and Kabila’s ex-security advisor.

President Felix Tshisekedi has recently accused Kabila of supporting the M23 rebels, who have gained control of two major cities in eastern Congo since January. In response to the situation, Kabila has engaged with opposition politicians and civil society leaders to discuss the nation’s political future, amid growing criticisms of Tshisekedi’s handling of the M23 crisis.

The military prosecutor has sent out approximately ten invitations to Kabila’s party members, yet only three are expected to attend the questioning scheduled in Kinshasa. Notable attendees include Aubin Minaku, party vice president and a former national assembly president, along with Emmanuel Ramazani Shadary, a former interior minister and presidential candidate.

Minaku has stated that the officials will comply with the invitations to eliminate any suspicion and has denied connections with M23 or any armed groups. He emphasized their commitment to the nation, describing their approach as “purely Republican” and condemned any unlawful foreign forces within the country.

The M23’s recent advances represent a serious escalation in a longstanding conflict that has historical roots in Rwanda’s 1994 genocide and the ongoing battle for control over Congo’s mineral wealth. Rwanda maintains that it has not supplied arms or troops to M23, asserting that their military actions are defensive against aggressors from the Congolese army and local militias that threaten Rwanda.

The invitation to Kabila’s party officials highlights ongoing political strife in the Democratic Republic of Congo, particularly regarding the M23 rebel situation. As tensions escalate, Kabila seeks dialogue with various political factions while denying any affiliations with armed groups. The situation remains fluid, with implications for both national stability and regional security. The upcoming questioning of party members will be pivotal in assessing the dynamics of Congo’s complex political landscape.

Original Source: www.usnews.com