A military tribunal in the Democratic Republic of Congo has delivered a shocking verdict, convicting former president Joseph Kabila of grave offenses including treason and crimes against humanity, and sentencing him to death in absentia.
The Congolese government leveled serious accusations against Kabila, alleging his collaboration with the M23 rebel group. This group, reportedly supported by Rwanda, had earlier this year captured significant territories in eastern Congo, including two major cities. Kabila himself had governed this central African nation for almost twenty years.
During a lengthy session on Tuesday, where the verdict spanned over four hours, Kabila was also found guilty of war crimes, murder, sexual assault, torture, participation in an insurrection, conspiracy, and supporting terrorism. However, given his absence throughout the entire trial, the practical enforcement of this death sentence remains highly improbable.
This dramatic turn of events follows the 2018 elections, where Kabila’s preferred successor was defeated. The official declaration named opposition leader Felix Tshisekedi as the victor, though independent monitors largely believed Martin Fayulu, another opposition figure, was the rightful winner. Despite this, Kabila transferred power to Tshisekedi, seeing him as a more suitable partner.
The initial alliance between Tshisekedi and Kabila proved short-lived, dissolving rapidly, leading Kabila into self-imposed exile in 2023. Adding to the controversy, he delivered a live-streamed address in May, openly criticizing the current Tshisekedi administration, followed by a widely reported visit to Goma, a city then under rebel control. His current whereabouts remain unknown.
Justin Makangara contributed reporting from Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo.