Violence in Congo-Kinshasa

Ex-president risks being convicted of war crimes

The Senate in Congo-Kinshasa has withdrawn former President Joseph Kabila's immunity from prosecution, reports the BBC. This opens the way for Kabila to be put on trial over alleged allegations of support for the M23 rebel group.

He is accused of, among other things, treason and war crimes linked to the group, which controls large parts of the eastern parts of the country. The immunity was withdrawn at the request of prosecutors and a large majority of senators listened.

Kabila led the country between 2001 and 2019 before moving to South Africa, and then returning.

Appeal to rebels: Save the gorillas' home

The advance of the M23 rebel group in Congo-Kinshasa is making the situation increasingly difficult for already endangered gorilla species, reports The Independent.

After large areas of forest in the eastern parts of the country fell into the hands of rebels earlier this year, illegal logging has increased sharply. This has prompted several environmental organizations to appeal to the rebels in a letter to stop the logging.

The call applies in particular to the Kahuzi-Biega National Park.

– If this continues, we will lose the park, this unique habitat for the gorillas.