Overview

• The Kinshasa military tribunal convicted Kabila of treason, crimes against humanity, murder, sexual assault, torture and insurrection.
• Prosecutors had sought the death penalty, which became possible after the DRC ended its death‑penalty moratorium in 2024.
• Kabila has been on trial in absentia since July following the Senate’s vote to lift his lifetime immunity, alongside moves to suspend his PPRD and seize assets.
• The government alleges he worked with Rwanda and the M23 movement that captured Goma and Bukavu; he denies the accusations.
• His whereabouts are unconfirmed, with reports placing him largely in South Africa and noting a May appearance in rebel‑held Goma, as UN experts report Rwandan support for M23 that Kigali denies.