The government of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has stopped the activities of former President Joseph Kabila’s political party. They also announced that his properties will be taken. The government says Kabila and his party helped the M23 rebel group, which is believed to be supported by Rwanda. These rebels have taken control of two important cities in the east of the country this year.

The DRC’s justice ministry says this is a case of high treason and wants legal action against Kabila and other party leaders. So far, they haven’t shared many details about the accusations.

Kabila, who led the country from 2001 to 2019, has said he wants to return and help solve the problems in eastern Congo. The secretary of his party, Ferdinand Kambere, says the government’s move is against the country’s constitution and laws.

The eastern part of DRC is rich in minerals but has faced fighting for many years. Much of the conflict is linked to the aftermath of the 1994 genocide in Rwanda and the struggle to control valuable resources.

Kabila became president after his father was killed in 2001. He stayed in power even after his term ended in 2016, but eventually stepped down and has been living in different African countries since.