Kabila’s Party Vice President Aubin Minaku Arrested in Kinshasa

Kinshasa, January 18, 2026 - Security forces in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have arrested Aubin Minaku, the Vice President of former President Joseph Kabila’s PPRD party, during a late-night operation at his home in Kinshasa.

The authorities have not disclosed the reason for his arrest, but it comes amid ongoing accusations by the Tshisekedi administration against former figures of the Kabila regime, who are suspected of supporting the AFC/M23 coalition.

On March 7, 2025, the DRC government announced that senior leaders of the PPRD were suspected of working with AFC/M23, which is fighting the DRC government. Following these accusations, several PPRD leaders were arrested after President Félix Tshisekedi accused Joseph Kabila of backing the group - claims the PPRD has denied.

Those implicated include the PPRD Permanent Secretary, Emmanuel Ramazani Shadary, the Vice President, Aubin Minaku, and the Deputy Permanent Secretary, Ferdinand Kambere.

The location of Minaku’s detention remains unknown. Sources said his residence was surrounded by FARDC special forces at the time of his arrest.

The PPRD has not yet issued a statement regarding the arrest.

The development follows the recent arrest and detention of Emmanuel Ramazani Shadary, who is being held at an undisclosed location.

This comes as part of broader legal actions against senior PPRD leaders, after the Military Court tried Joseph Kabila in absentia, accusing him of treason and collaboration with AFC/M23, and sentenced him to death.