Former Congo President Kabila Sentenced to Death in Absentia

Military Court Delivers Historic Verdict Against Former Leader

A military court in the Democratic Republic of Congo has sentenced former President Joseph Kabila to death in absentia for high treason and crimes against humanity. The 54-year-old former leader was found guilty of collaborating with the M23 rebel group, which has been waging a violent insurgency in eastern Congo with alleged support from neighboring Rwanda.

Two Decades of Power Ends in Dramatic Fall

Kabila, who ruled Congo for nearly two decades from 2001 to 2019, has been living in exile since leaving office. The trial began in July 2025, but Kabila never appeared in court, with his current whereabouts remaining unknown. Prosecutors had sought the death penalty for multiple serious crimes including murder, sexual abuse, and facilitating terrorism.

The verdict represents a dramatic turn for the former president, whose father Laurent-Désiré Kabila was assassinated in 2001, propelling the younger Kabila into power at just 29 years old. During his presidency, Congo saw periods of relative stability but also faced persistent conflict in its eastern regions.

Political Tensions and Regional Conflict

The case against Kabila intensified earlier this year when he appeared in Goma, the capital of North Kivu province where M23 rebels had seized control through violent means. The group's resurgence in 2022 has led to one of Congo's most severe humanitarian crises, displacing millions and drawing international condemnation.

Following Kabila's appearance in Goma, the Congolese Senate voted to strip him of his presidential immunity, clearing the way for prosecution. 'This is arbitrary and shows how the justice system is being manipulated for political purposes,' Kabila responded at the time, maintaining his innocence throughout the proceedings.

Broader Implications for Congo's Democracy

The sentencing comes amid ongoing tensions between Congo and Rwanda, with Kinshasa accusing Kigali of supporting M23 rebels. The United Nations and United States have both documented Rwandan military involvement with the rebel group, though Rwanda denies these allegations.

This landmark case marks one of the most significant political developments in Congo since current President Félix Tshisekedi took office in 2019. It demonstrates the continuing struggle for accountability in a country that has faced decades of conflict and political instability.

For more background on the conflict in eastern Congo, visit NOS coverage of the eastern Congo conflict.