Congo's former President Joseph Kabila on Friday lambasted the Central African country's justice system, a day after the senate voted overwhelmingly in favour of lifting his immunity from prosecution over his alleged links to the M23 rebel group.

Congo's President Felix Tshisekedi has sought out a deal with the Trump administration, offering mineral access in return for American support in quelling an insurgency and boosting security.

After decades of conflict between two African countries, President Trump and an adviser said the two sides, with U.S. help, had created an agreement that was now being finalized.

In 1879-1880, as Henry Morton Stanley was secretly mapping the Congo River and procuring trade treaties from local leaders, Leopold was publicizing another expedition — to domesticate African elephants for transport and heavy labour.

Authorities have accused him of treason and war crimes, saying there was a "substantial body of documents, testimony and material facts" linking Kabila to the M23 armed group, which has taken control of several towns in the mineral-rich east.