Former Congo President Kabila Sentenced to Death in Absentia for High Treason and War Crimes
Former President Joseph Kabila of the Democratic Republic of Congo has been sentenced to death in absentia for high treason and war crimes. The verdict relates to his role in the conflict between the government and the M23 militia in eastern Congo.
Kabila, who left office in 2019, was accused of being the mastermind behind the crimes of the rebel coalition Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC), which includes the M23 militia. The Supreme Military Court found him guilty of glorifying crimes, conspiracy, and planning to overthrow the government. He was also ordered to pay damages of $33 billion to the state and the eastern provinces of North Kivu and South Kivu.
The charges stem from Kabila's visit to Goma in May 2025, which led to charges being brought against him and the suspension of his political party, PPRD. The government enabled the lifting of his immunity, making it possible to prosecute him. The proceedings began in July 2025, and the court ordered the immediate arrest of Kabila, who has been living in exile, including in South Africa.
The M23 militia, supported by neighboring Rwanda, has conquered large parts of the eastern provinces of North and South Kivu. Kabila's successor, Felix Tshisekedi, had previously accused Kabila of corruption and criticized his policies in eastern Congo. The former president's sentencing comes as a significant development in the ongoing conflict and political landscape of the Democratic Republic of Congo.
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