A military court in the Democratic Republic of Congo has sentenced former president Joseph Kabila to death in absentia after convicting him of treason, war crimes, and crimes against humanity.
The 54-year-old, who ruled DR Congo for 18 years before stepping down in 2019, was accused of backing the M23 rebel movement that has seized swathes of territory in the country’s mineral-rich east. The court found him guilty of murder, torture, sexual assault, and leading an insurrection.
Kabila, who did not appear in court, rejected the proceedings as “arbitrary” and described the judiciary as an “instrument of oppression.” His current whereabouts remain unknown.
The former president had been living in self-imposed exile since 2023, following a political rift with his successor, Félix Tshisekedi. Earlier this year, he returned briefly to Goma, the eastern city under M23 control, saying he wanted to help broker peace. His visit deepened tensions with Tshisekedi, who accused him of orchestrating the rebellion. In response, senators stripped Kabila of his legal immunity, clearing the way for prosecution.
The conflict in eastern DR Congo has escalated sharply in recent months, with the M23 controlling key cities including Goma and Bukavu, as well as two airports. The United Nations and several Western governments have accused Rwanda of supporting the rebels, allegations Kigali denies, insisting its actions are aimed at containing cross-border violence.
Despite a ceasefire agreement reached in July, fighting has continued, displacing thousands and worsening one of Africa’s most protracted conflicts.
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