Former Congo President Joseph Kabila Sentenced to Death for Treason and War Crimes
A military court in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has sentenced former President Joseph Kabila to death in absentia on serious charges including treason, war crimes, conspiracy, murder, sexual assault, torture, and organizing an insurrection. This historic ruling marks a significant development in the country’s ongoing conflict and political turmoil.
Background and Charges
Joseph Kabila ruled the DRC for 18 years, from 2001 after the assassination of his father, Laurent-Désiré Kabila, until he handed over power to Felix Tshisekedi in 2019. Since then, relations between Kabila and the current president soured dramatically, with Kabila accused of attempting to undermine Tshisekedi’s administration.
The military tribunal convicted Kabila on multiple counts, highlighting his alleged collaboration with the Rwanda-backed M23 rebel group. This armed militia seized large portions of the mineral-rich eastern provinces of North and South Kivu, including the strategically critical city of Goma, during rapid offensive operations since January 2025. The M23 is accused of atrocities including murder, rape, torture, and other war crimes, leading to significant civilian casualties and displacement.
The M23 Rebel Group and Conflict in Eastern Congo
The M23 militia is a Tutsi-led group accused of receiving training, intelligence, and operational support from the Rwandan Defense Forces, though Rwanda denies involvement. The conflict in eastern Congo has resulted in thousands of deaths and displaced nearly one million people. The United Nations and human rights organizations have raised alarms about grave violations of international humanitarian law by M23 rebels as well as Congolese armed forces.
Political and Judicial Controversies
Kabila’s trial was held in absentia, with the former leader not appearing in court to defend himself, alleging that the charges and proceedings are politically motivated to suppress opposition. His supporters describe the trial as theatrical and an example of authoritarianism under President Tshisekedi. The court also ordered Kabila to pay billions in fines to the government and affected provinces.
Implications for Peace and Stability
The conviction has profound ramifications for peace negotiations ongoing between the DRC government and M23 representatives, facilitated by Qatar since July 2025. Critics fear Kabila’s sentence may harden positions, potentially destabilizing the fragile peace process and prolonging conflict in the region.
This event underscores the complicated interplay of politics, armed conflict, and justice in the DRC, as the nation grapples with both internal strife and the legacies of its turbulent past.