An Interior ministry statement justifying the ban on the People’s Party for Reconstruction and Democracy (PPRD) accused Kabila of of ‘overt’ activism.

   It said the 53-year-old had been reluctant to condemn M23, the rebel group controlling North and South KIvu provinces.

   Kinshasa has accused Kabila, in self-imposed exile since 2023 until Friday, of supporting separatist armed rebellion in the country’s east. Kabila who ruled Congo until 2019 made a low key return to the country Friday. He arrived in the rebel-held city of Goma through Rwanda.

   Weeks before his return, Kabila said he wanted to make a contribution to peace in Congo without elaborating how.

   Days ago, Congolese security forces raided two properties belonging to Kabila – a farm east of Kinshasa and a compound in the capital. The raids were confirmed by the Kabila family spokesperson.

   There has been no word from the party on its suspension.

   Separately, the justice ministry said that a prosecutor had started legal action against Kabila for his ties with M23, the rebel group that Kinshasa says is backed by Rwanda.