The Democratic Republic of Congo has suspended former President Joseph Kabila's political party and seized his assets, accusing him of supporting rebels in the east. Kabila, who led the country from 2001 to 2019, plans to return to help resolve the conflict, but faces legal action for alleged high treason. The M23 rebels have taken two cities in the region, which has been plagued by long-standing violence over mineral resources.

The Democratic Republic of Congo has suspended the political party of former President Joseph Kabila and ordered the seizure of his assets, citing accusations that he supported rebel groups operating in the eastern part of the country. Kabila, who is 53 years old and led the country from 2001 to 2019, has expressed his intention to return to Congo to help find a resolution to the ongoing conflict.

However, statements issued late Saturday by the interior ministry accused Kabila’s party of supporting the M23 rebels and announced its suspension. Simultaneously, the justice ministry declared that the assets belonging to Kabila and other leaders of his party would be confiscated due to actions described as high treason. Both ministries confirmed that prosecutors had been directed to initiate legal proceedings against him, although specific details regarding the allegations were not disclosed.

There has not yet been any public response from Kabila. Ferdinand Kambere, the secretary of Kabila's Party for Reconstruction and Democracy, condemned the suspension, describing it as a blatant violation of the country’s constitution and legal framework, according to a report from Reuters.

The M23 rebels have captured two major cities in the resource-rich eastern region since the beginning of the year. This area has endured prolonged conflict stemming from the aftermath of the 1994 Rwandan genocide and the ongoing competition over valuable mineral resources.

Joseph Kabila initially assumed the presidency following the assassination of his father. Although his final term officially ended in 2016, he delayed leaving office, eventually stepping down only after significant public protests. Since then, he has resided in various African countries.