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DR Congo Military Court Sentences Joseph Kabila to Death in Absentia

The ruling follows allegations of collusion with M23 rebels, drawing fair‑trial criticism from rights groups.

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Former President of the Democratic Republic of Congo Joseph Kabila walks back into his house after posing for a group photo with religious leaders at one of his residences in Goma on May 29, 2025.
Joseph Kabila was president of the Democratic Republic of Congo from 2001 to 2019

Overview

  • Judges convicted the former president of treason and war crimes tied to M23’s offensive, including murder, rape, torture and insurrection.
  • The court ordered $29 billion in damages to the state plus $2 billion each to North Kivu and South Kivu.
  • Kabila was tried without appearing or legal representation, his whereabouts remain unknown, and an arrest order was issued.
  • Prosecutors alleged coordination with Rwanda and M23, while UN experts recently reported multiple parties in the eastern conflict may have committed war crimes.
  • Allies of Kabila and Human Rights Watch condemned the expedited military trial as politically driven, with analysts warning of risks to fragile peace efforts.