DR Congo ex-leader Joseph Kabila lashes out after immunity lifted for treason charges

Joseph Kabila made the remarks in a 45-minute speech live on YouTube from an unspecified location.

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The 53-year-old made a 45-minute speech live on YouTube on Friday evening from an unspecified location a day after the Senate lifted his immunity from prosecution.

DR Congo's authorities intend to charge the former president with treason and war crimes, linking him to the Rwandan-backed M23 rebels, who have taken control of several towns in the east.

Kabila, in power between 2001 and 2019, said he had broken his silence because he felt the unity of the country was at risk.

Analysts say any trial of Kabila could further destabilise the country, which has been battling the M23 rebellion since 2012.