Former DRC President Joseph Kabila Sentenced to Death

A military court in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has sentenced former president Joseph Kabila, finding him guilty of treason and war crimes. The proceedings concluded with a death sentence, along with an order to pay over $30 billion in damages to the state and the provinces of North and South Kivu.

The indictment accused Kabila of collaborating with Rwanda and the Rwanda-backed armed group M23. Earlier this year, M23 captured several cities in eastern Congo, creating one of the most serious national security crises in recent years. According to the court, the former president’s actions caused severe harm to the country’s interests, deepening the regional crisis and threatening Congo’s territorial integrity.

The court ruling provides for Kabila’s immediate arrest, though his current location remains unknown. The verdict was delivered in absentia. Authorities in the DRC declared they will seek his apprehension and transfer to Congolese jurisdiction.

The case has generated widespread reaction both domestically and internationally. In Congo, opinions differ, with some viewing the verdict as not only judicial but also political. Joseph Kabila, who served as president from 2001 to 2019, is associated with periods of relative stability as well as numerous allegations of corruption, human rights violations, and electoral manipulation.

The $30 billion awarded in damages is intended for reconstruction in regions most affected by armed conflict. Authorities in North and South Kivu have repeatedly stressed the need for compensation, as their territories bore the brunt of clashes with rebel groups.

The sentencing of Kabila reflects the firm stance of Congo’s current leadership against former leaders accused of fueling crises and destructive conflicts. However, questions remain as to whether the ruling can actually be enforced, given the absence of information about the former president’s whereabouts.

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