Former Congo President Joseph Kabila Sentenced to Death in Absentia
Former Congolese President Joseph Kabila has been sentenced to death in absentia by a military court. The verdict, handed down on September 30, 2025, follows convictions of high treason and war crimes. Despite the sentence, Kabila's current location remains unknown, and he is believed to be in exile.
Kabila, who ruled the Democratic Republic of the Congo from 2001 to 2019, was tried in his absence. The military court found him guilty of collaborating with Rwanda and the M23 rebel group, a charge he has consistently denied. The prosecutor had requested the death penalty.
The trial began after the Senate repealed Kabila's immunity from prosecution in May 2025. This move allowed the military court to proceed with the case. Earlier this year, Kabila returned to Goma, a city held by the rebel group, in April, raising tensions in the region.
Joseph Kabila's sentencing marks a significant development in the political landscape of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Despite the death sentence, his whereabouts remain unknown, and it is unclear when or if he will face justice. The international community awaits further developments in this ongoing situation.
