Jean-Baptiste Gasominari, a Lawyer and commentator on Great Lakes region affairs, said the government’s actions appear to undermine the principles of democratic governance. “This is a ridiculous decision,” he said, pointing to the absence of conclusive evidence linking Kabila to rebel activities in the east of the country. “You can’t suspend a political party or seize assets based purely on allegations.”

Recently, DRC government announced it was suspending Kabila’s People’s Party for Reconstruction and Democracy and freezing his assets. Authorities allege that the former President, who ruled from 2001 until 2019, has ties to the M23 rebel movement currently active in the eastern provinces.

Kabila, 53, has rejected any involvement and has said he plans to return to the DRC to help find a peaceful solution to the escalating conflict. His supporters argue the government’s decision is politically charged and designed to weaken his influence ahead of future elections.

Gasominari warned that the move sets a troubling precedent. “In a functioning democracy, processes matter. Even if these accusations were true, which they have not proven, you can’t take such a decision outside the legal framework of the party or the courts.”

The M23 rebel group has renewed its offensive in eastern DRC in recent months, leading to thousands of displacements and renewed international concern. Kinshasa accuses neighbouring Rwanda of backing the group, an allegation Kigali has repeatedly denied.

The suspension of Kabila’s party comes amid growing political tension in the country. Critics of President Félix Tshisekedi say the government is using security concerns to clamp down on opposition voices. Others see the move as a distraction from mounting pressure over the state’s handling of the conflict.

--ChannelAfrica--