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5h ago

DR Congo Prosecutor Seeks Death Penalty for Joseph Kabila in In-Absentia Treason and War-Crimes Trial

The request escalates a politically charged case linking the former president to Rwanda-backed M23 rebels.

FILE - Former Democratic Republic of the Congo President Joseph Kabila arrives to meet with religious leaders at his Kinyogote residence in M23 controlled Goma, Eastern Congo, May 29, 2025. (AP Photo/Moses Sawasawa, File)
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Kabila has denounced the trial, branding his successor's government a 'dictatorship'

Overview

  • Military auditor general Gen. Lucien René Likulia asked judges on Friday to condemn Kabila to death, also seeking additional prison terms for condoning war crimes and conspiracy.
  • The indictment alleges treason and war crimes tied to M23 operations, including homicide, torture, rape, organising an insurrection and the forcible occupation of Goma.
  • Kabila has been tried in absentia since July, his whereabouts are unknown, and no date has been set for a verdict.
  • Authorities earlier banned his PPRD party, seized assets and lifted his immunity, moves his allies denounce as persecution.
  • The case unfolds as UN experts say Rwanda’s army played a “critical” role in M23’s offensive, a finding Kigali disputes, and M23/AFC figures have publicly distanced themselves from Kabila.