Ex-Congo President Joseph Kabila Sentenced to Death Over War Crimes
Former DRC President Joseph Kabila has been sentenced to death in absentia for treason, war crimes and crimes against humanity.
The verdict was handed down on Friday and links the 54 year old ex-leader to the notorious M23 rebel group which has been accused of wreaking havoc in the eastern provinces of the DRC. The charges included murder, sexual violence, torture and inciting insurrection.
Kabila who ruled the country for nearly two decades after his father Laurent was assassinated in 2001 dismissed the proceedings as “arbitrary” and said the judiciary was being used as a “tool of oppression”. His whereabouts are unknown.
After stepping down in 2019 and handing over power to Félix Tshisekedi, Kabila’s relationship with his successor deteriorated and he was exiled in 2023. In April this year he said he wanted to contribute to solving the conflict in the east and soon after he appeared in Goma an M23 stronghold.
Tshisekedi later accused him of orchestrating the rebellion. Parliament quickly stripped Kabila of his immunity and he can now be prosecuted.
The conflict in eastern Congo has intensified in recent years with M23 rebels seizing mineral rich territories including major cities like Goma and Bukavu as well as two airports. The UN and several Western governments have accused Rwanda of supporting M23 and deploying soldiers across the border. Kigali has consistently denied the allegations saying its actions are defensive and aimed at preventing the violence from spilling over into Rwandan territory.
Although a ceasefire was brokered in July hostilities have continued and civilians are bearing the brunt of the violence.
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Ex-Congo President Joseph Kabila Sentenced to Death Over War Crimes