Former PM’s immunity lifted

The DRC’s Senate has lifted the immunity granted to former Prime Minister Matata Ponyo Mapon which will enable investigators to probe the alleged misappropriation of public funds. Mapon is being investigated for his role in a botched $200m agricultural project. BBC News reports that the Senate initially declined a request by the judiciary to lift the immunity so that he could be prosecuted. Mapon who has denied any wrongdoing, served as Prime Minister under former President Joseph Kabila from 2012 to 2016.