A military tribunal in the Democratic Republic of Congo has sentenced former president Joseph Kabila to death in absentia after finding him guilty of treason, war crimes, and crimes against humanity.
The ruling, delivered on Friday, links Kabila to the M23 armed group, accused of unleashing years of violence in the country’s east. Prosecutors said he was responsible for murder, torture, sexual violence, and leading an armed insurrection.
Kabila dismissed the proceedings as “arbitrary” and described the judiciary as an “instrument of oppression.” He was not present in court, and his location remains unknown.
The judgment also imposed a $33 billion (£25 billion) fine on the former leader.
Kabila’s longtime associate and ex-minister Kikaya Bin Karubi condemned the verdict as “theatrical,” calling it proof of President Félix Tshisekedi’s dictatorship. He insisted that no evidence was presented to show Kabila’s involvement with M23.
Meanwhile, M23’s leader Bertrand Bisimwa said on X that the ruling violated ongoing peace negotiations with Kinshasa.
Kabila, now 54, assumed the presidency in 2001 after his father, Laurent, was assassinated and stayed in power until 2019. Initially, he supported Tshisekedi after the disputed election that year, but their alliance collapsed, and Kabila went into exile in 2023.
Earlier this year, Kabila announced his willingness to contribute to peace efforts. He later traveled to Goma—by then under M23 control—drawing accusations from Tshisekedi that he was orchestrating the rebellion. Senators then voted to strip him of immunity, clearing the way for prosecution.
The renewed conflict has intensified in 2025, with M23 seizing swathes of the mineral-rich east, including Goma, Bukavu, and key airports.
The United Nations and several Western governments say Rwanda has been supplying fighters and backing M23’s operations, though Kigali rejects the allegations, claiming its actions are defensive.
A ceasefire signed in July failed to stop clashes, with reports of continued bloodshed across the region.
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