By Alex Don
A military court in the Democratic Republic of Congo has sentenced former President Joseph Kabila to death in absentia, convicting him of treason, war crimes, crimes against humanity, murder, sexual assault, torture, and insurrection.
The ruling was announced on September 30, 2025, by Lieutenant-General Joseph Mutombo Katalayi, who presided over the tribunal in the capital, Kinshasa
Kabila, who governed the country for nearly two decades before stepping down in 2019, has been residing primarily in South Africa since late 2023. He made a brief appearance in rebel-controlled Goma in May 2025 but has not returned to Congo since.
The charges against him stem from allegations of collaborating with the Rwanda-backed M23 rebel group, which seized several key cities in eastern Congo earlier this year. Prosecutors argued that Kabila played a central role in fueling the insurgency, while his defense dismissed the case as a political witch hunt.
Kabila has denied all allegations, describing the trial as politically motivated.
The trial, which began in July 2025, has attracted widespread domestic and international attention. While some Congolese citizens view the verdict as a step toward accountability, critics argue that the case underscores the growing use of the judiciary to silence political rivals.
The court’s decision marks a historic moment in Congo’s judicial system but is expected to deepen political divisions across the nation. It also comes at a time of heightened instability, with the resurgence of M23 rebels and ongoing insecurity in the eastern regions.
Authorities in Kinshasa have issued an international warrant for Kabila’s arrest. If apprehended, he retains the right to appeal the ruling and defend himself before a higher court.
Source Nile Post
