A military court in the Democratic Republic of Congo has handed former president Joseph Kabila a d3ath sentence in absentia after finding him guilty of treason, war crimes, and crimes against humanity
Kabila, 54, who led the country from 2001 until 2019 before ceding power to Félix Tshisekedi, was accused of aiding the M23 rebel movement, notorious for widespread atrocities in the DRC’s eastern region. Prosecutors charged him with murder, s3xual violence, torture, and inciting insurrection.
The former leader has dismissed the trial as politically motivated, calling it “arbitrary” and an “instrument of oppression.” He has not appeared in court, and his current location remains unknown.
Kabila first assumed office after the assassination of his father, Laurent-Désiré Kabila, and ruled for nearly two decades. Earlier in 2025, he attempted to re-enter politics, even traveling to Goma—then under M23 control—a move that prompted President Tshisekedi to accuse him of masterminding rebel operations. Shortly after, the Congolese Senate voted to strip him of legal immunity, clearing the way for prosecution.
The M23 resurgence has worsened instability in eastern Congo, with the group capturing Goma, Bukavu, and strategic airports this year. The offensive has displaced thousands and deepened the country’s humanitarian crisis.
Internationally, the United Nations and Western governments have pointed fingers at Rwanda for backing M23, accusations Kigali denies, insisting its actions are defensive. Despite a July ceasefire agreement, fighting continues, leaving the region volatile and the Tshisekedi government under pressure to contain the crisis.
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