The AFC/M23 rebels, who hold large areas of eastern DR Congo, including the capitals of North and South Kivu provinces, are accused of receiving support from Kabila, a senator for life.

 Following days of rigorous discussions behind closed doors, 88 senators supported the move in a vote on Thursday, while five opposed it and three votes were deemed invalid.

 The senators approved legal action against Kabila, who had a falling out with Felix Tshisekedi, the current president.  The charges are part of a "witch hunt," according to members of the former president's party.

When the Congolese security forces took over Kabila's home in the capital city of Kinshasa in mid-April, his family accused them of persecuting him.  The Congolese justice ministry ordered the confiscation of all of Kabila's possessions in the nation and initiated legal action against him on April 18.

 Tshisekedi has previously charged Kabila with being responsible for the AFC/M23 rebels' takeover of Goma and Bukavu following an offensive in January 2025.

 Kabila has blasted his successor for mishandling the AFC/M23 situation since he declared his return from a six-year self-imposed exile in early April.

 After reaching the rebel-held city of Goma on April 18, Kabila went back to Southern Africa, where he has been stationed for many years.