- Former DR Congo President Joseph Kabila sentenced to death in absentia
- Convicted of treason, war crimes, and crimes against humanity by military court
- Charges include murder, torture, sexual violence, and insurrection
Joseph Kabila, former President of the Democratic Republic of Congo, has been sentenced to death in absentia by a military court on charges of treason, war crimes, and crimes against humanity.
The court found Kabila guilty of supporting the M23 rebel group, which has been responsible for widespread violence and devastation in eastern DR Congo. The charges include murder, sexual violence, torture, and insurrection.
Kabila, who did not appear in court, denied all allegations and dismissed the proceedings as politically motivated, calling the trial “arbitrary” and an “instrument of oppression.” His current location remains unknown.
The 54-year-old led the country for 18 years, taking office after the assassination of his father, Laurent Kabila, in 2001. He stepped down in 2019, handing power to President Félix Tshisekedi, but the two later became political rivals. Kabila went into self-imposed exile in 2023.
Earlier this year, Kabila expressed interest in helping resolve the eastern conflict and visited Goma, a city under M23 control, in May. His actions drew strong suspicion, and President Tshisekedi accused him of masterminding M23 operations. In response, DR Congo’s Senate stripped Kabila of his immunity, allowing legal proceedings to move forward.
The conflict in eastern DR Congo intensified in early 2025, as M23 rebels seized control of major cities and infrastructure, including Goma, Bukavu, and two airports in the mineral-rich region.
International observers, including the UN and several Western nations, have pointed to Rwanda as a key backer of M23, accusing Kigali of deploying troops across the border. Rwanda has denied involvement, claiming it only acts to protect its own security.
Despite a ceasefire agreement in July, violence continues across the region.
