Overview

• The military court convened in Kinshasa on July 25 to hear treason, homicide, torture, rape, insurrection, crimes against humanity and forcible occupation charges.
• Prosecutors allege Kabila colluded with the M23 rebel militia to seize Goma and plot the overthrow of President Felix Tshisekedi.
• The ex-leader’s People’s Party for Reconstruction and Democracy has condemned the proceeding as a politically driven show trial.
• M23 spokespeople and Rwanda deny formal alliances with Kabila despite UN experts’ reports of Kigali’s critical support for the uprising.
• Kabila is being tried in absentia following his May return to rebel-held Goma, with the next hearing set for July 31.