Congo Ex-President’s allies summoned for questioning

Several high-ranking officials from the political party of former Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) President Joseph Kabila have been summoned to appear before a military prosecutor on Monday.

This development comes amid mounting political tensions related to the advances of Rwanda-backed M23 rebels in the eastern region of the country.

According to Reuters, the exact reason behind the military prosecutor's invitation to Kabila's party officials remains unclear, according to Jean Mbuyu, a lawyer for the invited officials and former security advisor to Kabila.

However, the move coincides with accusations from current President Félix Tshisekedi, who has accused Kabila of supporting the M23 rebels, who have gained control of eastern Congo's two largest cities since January.

In response to the situation, Reuters reports that Kabila has initiated talks with opposition figures and civil society groups about the country’s future, amidst growing dissatisfaction with Tshisekedi's handling of the M23 military offensive.

Around ten invitation letters were issued by the military prosecutor's office to members of Kabila’s People's Party for Reconstruction and Democracy (PPRD).

However, only three individuals were expected to appear for questioning in Kinshasa on Monday.

These included Aubin Minaku, the party’s vice president and former president of the National Assembly, and Emmanuel Ramazani Shadary, a former interior minister and presidential candidate.

“We're going to listen because the invitation contains no reason,” said Mbuyu, commenting on the unclear motives behind the questioning as reported by Reuters.

Minaku stated that the party officials would comply with the invitations “to avoid any suspicion” and firmly denied any involvement with the M23 rebels or any other armed groups.

"We are taking a purely Republican approach, not one of rebellion," he told Reuters, referring to the party’s commitment to the country’s unity and stability.

He further emphasized, "We denounced any illicit presence of foreign forces."

The M23 insurgency, which has recently escalated, is one of the latest flare-ups in a long-running conflict with deep historical roots. The conflict stems from the aftermath of the 1994 Rwandan genocide and the competition for control over Congo’s vast mineral wealth.

Rwanda has consistently denied any involvement in supporting the M23 group, stating that its military actions are defensive, and aimed at protecting against Congolese forces and militias hostile to Kigali.

As tensions rise, the political situation in the DRC remains increasingly unstable, with growing uncertainty about the future direction of the country’s leadership and its efforts to contain the rebel threat in the east.