Kinshasa – A military court in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has sentenced former president Joseph Kabila to death in absentia after finding him guilty of treason, war crimes, and conspiracy charges.
The verdict follows months of proceedings in Kinshasa where prosecutors accused Kabila of collaborating with Rwanda and the M23 rebel group, which launched a major offensive earlier this year and captured several key cities in eastern Congo.
Charges against Kabila
The court found Kabila guilty of:
- Treason and undermining national security.
- War crimes linked to the M23 rebellion.
- Conspiracy and insurrection aimed at destabilizing the DRC.
- Supporting terrorism by allegedly aiding foreign-backed rebel forces.
Kabila, who led the DRC from 2001 to 2019, has not been seen publicly in recent months, and his current whereabouts remain unknown.
Government’s Position
Authorities in Kinshasa insist that Kabila’s ties with M23 rebels and the Rwandan government amount to betrayal of the Congolese people. Officials claim he provided strategic support that enabled rebels to seize territory in January during a lightning assault.
Kabila’s response
Despite the verdict, Kabila has denied all allegations, calling them politically motivated attempts to erase his legacy. His legal team maintains that the trial was unfair and vowed to challenge the judgment through international legal avenues.
Political and regional impact
The sentencing marks a historic moment in the DRC, as no former head of state has previously faced such a punishment in absentia. Analysts warn the decision could further escalate tensions between Kinshasa and Kigali while deepening internal political divides.
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