Former DRC President Sentenced to Death For Treason and Conspiracy

A Congolese military court Tuesday sentenced former President Joseph Kabila to death in absentia after finding him guilty of treason and other charges, the Associated Press reported.

Kabila has been on trial in absentia since July, even though his whereabouts remain unknown after he fled the country in 2023. He has faced various charges, including treason, crimes against humanity, conspiracy, and terrorism, as well as plotting to overthrow former political ally and current President Félix Tshisekedi, Al Jazeera noted. The prosecution requested the death penalty. 

The government has alleged that Kabila collaborated with Rwanda and the M23 rebel group, which captured and occupied key cities in mineral-rich eastern DRC in January – including Goma, where Kabila was last seen in April.  

Kabila, who served as president from 2001 to 2019, denied the accusations and had earlier denounced the case against him, calling the courts “an instrument of oppression.”  

The verdict follows the Senate’s vote last May in favor of repealing Kabila’s immunity from prosecution. 

Despite the sentence, Kabila’s detention is unlikely at the moment. An appeal of the High Military Court’s ruling is still possible, but only for procedural irregularities in the case.  

Analysts said the verdict aims to prevent Kabila from uniting the opposition within the country. However, many are concerned that the decision could fuel further unrest in the country, struggling with fighting between the government and armed militias, and tens of thousands of displaced residents.