The Democratic Republic of Congo has banned former President Joseph Kabila’s political party, accusing it of supporting M23 rebels.
Government spokesperson Patrick Muyaya said the People’s Party for Reconstruction and Democracy (PPRD) was banned after being found with “links to terrorist groups.” The party failed to denounce M23’s occupation of eastern Congo.
“We have evidence the party leadership collaborated with armed groups attacking our nation,” Muyaya said. “This constitutes treason.”
Authorities are investigating whether more party members were involved. The ban comes as M23 rebels continue seizing territory near the Rwandan border.
Kabila, who has been living abroad, faces treason charges. If convicted, he could be sentenced to life imprisonment under Congo’s national security laws.
The government has warned all political groups against contacts with armed rebels, saying such links will lead to immediate bans.