Former DRC Leader Convicted of Treason in Landmark In Absentia Trial
In a dramatic verdict that has sent shockwaves across Central Africa, a military court in Kinshasa has sentenced former Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) president Joseph Kabila to death in absentia. The 18-year leader, who ruled from 2001 to 2019, was found guilty of treason, war crimes, and supporting the M23 rebel group—a Rwanda-backed militia that seized large parts of eastern Congo in 2025 .
What Crimes Was Kabila Convicted Of?
After a four-hour reading of the verdict, the military high court detailed a sweeping list of charges, including:
- War crimes and crimes against humanity
- Murder, torture, and sexual assault
- Leading an insurrection movement
- Conspiracy and supporting terrorism
- Direct command over the M23 rebel group
By the Numbers: The Sentence and Reparations
| Penalty Type | Amount or Detail |
|---|---|
| Death Sentence | Issued in absentia; unlikely to be enforced |
| Total Reparations | $33 billion |
| To Congolese State | $29 billion (moral, defense, infrastructural, ecological damages) |
| To North & South Kivu Provinces | $4 billion combined |
Where Is Kabila Now?
Kabila has been in self-imposed exile since 2023, first in South Africa. In May 2025, he made headlines by live-streaming a fiery speech against President Félix Tshisekedi and visiting the rebel-held city of Goma. His current whereabouts remain unknown, making enforcement of the sentence virtually impossible .
Political Fallout and Reactions
Kabila’s political party, the Common Front for Congo, dismissed the trial as a “tragicomedy” and declared the proceedings “illegal from start to finish.” Meanwhile, international observers remain divided—some see the verdict as a step toward accountability, while others warn it may deepen political instability in the fragile region .
Historical Context: From President to Pariah
- 2001–2019: Kabila rules DRC after his father’s assassination.
- 2018: His chosen successor loses election; Kabila hands power to Tshisekedi.
- 2023: Alliance with Tshisekedi collapses; Kabila flees into exile.
- 2025: Convicted of treason and sentenced to death.
