DR Congo strips ex-leader of immunity over treason chargesJoseph Kabila did not appear before the senate to defend himselfNearly 90 senators on Thursday voted in favour of his treason prosecution, while five opposed it. The Democratic Republic of Congo's senate has stripped former President Joseph Kabila of his immunity, paving the way for his prosecution over his alleged backing of rebels in the east. "The senate authorises the prosecution and lifting of Joseph Kabila's immunity," declared senate Speaker Jean-Michel Sama Lukonde after Thursday's vote. The former president, who led the country between 2001 and 2019, did not appear before the senate to defend himself. In order to pursue the charges against him, DR Congo's military prosecutor had asked the senate to lift this privilege.