The Democratic Republic of Congo has suspended former President Joseph Kabila’s political party, People’s Party for Reconstruction and Democracy (PPRD), and ordered the seizure of his assets. The government accused Kabila and his party of supporting the M23 rebels, who are backed by Rwanda and have recently captured two cities in the country’s east.

The interior ministry said that PPRD was suspended for helping the rebels, while the justice ministry called Kabila’s actions high treason. Prosecutors have been told to begin legal action against the former President. Kabila has not yet responded to the suspension. Meanwhile, Ferdinand Kambere, the secretary of the PPRD, described the move as a flagrant violation of Congo’s constitution and laws.

Kabila ruled from 2001 to 2019 after taking power following his father’s assassination. He stayed in office past the end of his term in 2016, sparking protests. He recently said he wants to return to help solve the ongoing conflict.