A military court in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has sentenced former President Joseph Kabila to death in absentia on charges of treason, war crimes, and crimes against humanity.
The 54-year-old, who ruled DRC for 18 years before handing over power to President Félix Tshisekedi in 2019, was found guilty of allegedly supporting the M23 rebel group, notorious for atrocities in the mineral-rich eastern region.
Charges Against Kabila
According to the court ruling, the former president faced multiple counts, including:
- Murder
- Sexual assault
- Torture
- Insurrection
Kabila, however, rejected the allegations and refused to appear before the court, dismissing the trial as “arbitrary” and describing it as an “instrument of oppression.” His current whereabouts remain unknown.
From Leadership To Exile
Kabila first came to power in 2001 after the assassination of his father, Laurent-Désiré Kabila. He ruled until 2019, when he handed power to Tshisekedi.
By 2023, relations between both leaders had broken down, leading Kabila into self-imposed exile.
In April 2025, Kabila announced plans to return to politics, offering to mediate in the eastern conflict. The following month, he visited Goma, then under the control of M23 rebels.
President Tshisekedi later accused him of being the mastermind behind the rebel group. Soon after, Congolese senators voted to strip him of legal immunity, clearing the way for prosecution.
Escalating Conflict In Eastern Congo
The M23 rebellion has escalated tensions in eastern DRC, with the rebels seizing Goma, Bukavu, and two major airports earlier this year.
The violence has displaced thousands of civilians, worsening an already dire humanitarian crisis.
International observers, including the United Nations and several Western nations, have accused Rwanda of backing M23 and deploying troops into Congo — allegations Kigali has repeatedly denied.
Despite a ceasefire agreement in July, fighting has continued, leaving the region unstable and the Congolese government under pressure to restore peace.
