A military court in the Democratic Republic of Congo has sentenced former President Joseph Kabila to death in absentia, convicting him of multiple serious charges, including treason, war crimes, crimes against humanity, murder, sexual assault, torture, and insurrection.
The ruling was announced on September 30, 2025, by Lieutenant-General Joseph Mutombo Katalayi, who presided over the tribunal in the capital, Kinshasa.
Kabila, who governed the country for nearly two decades, has been residing primarily in South Africa since late 2023.
He made a brief appearance in rebel-controlled Goma in May 2025 but has not returned to Congo since.
The charges against him stem from allegations of collaborating with the Rwanda-backed M23 rebel group, which seized multiple key cities in eastern Congo earlier this year.
Kabila has denied all allegations, describing the proceedings as politically motivated.
The trial, which began in July 2025, has garnered significant domestic and international attention. Kabila's supporters and some analysts argue that the prosecution is politically motivated, aimed at silencing opposition voices.
The court's decision marks a historic moment for the country's judicial system, though it is likely to further deepen political divisions within the nation.
This development comes amid broader political tensions and security challenges in the country, including the resurgence of the M23 rebels and ongoing instability in the eastern regions.
