Congo Suspends Former President Kabilas Political Party

The Democratic Republic of Congo DRC has suspended former President Joseph Kabilas political party and ordered his assets seized over accusations of supporting Rwandan-backed rebels in the east, the government said.

The 53-year-old, who ruled from 2001-2019 and only stepped down after deadly protests against him, has said he wants to return to Congo to help seek a solution to the war.

But in statements late on Saturday, the interior ministry said his party was suspended for aiding the M23 rebels , while the justice ministry said his and other party leaders assets would be seized after acts amounting to high treason.

Both statements said prosecutors had been instructed to initiate proceedings against him, but no details of the accusations were given. There was no immediate response from Kabila.

Ferdinand Kambere, secretary of his Party for Reconstruction and Democracy, called the suspension a flagrant violation of Congos constitution and laws in a statement to Reuters.