EXPLAINERNews|ConflictKabila sentenced to death: What it means for DRC and what’s nextPresident Felix Tshisekedi's government accuses the former leader of allying with the M23 rebel group.
Former President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Joseph Kabila, was sentenced to death by a high military court on Tuesday, Sep 30, 2025. The charges against him include treason, war crimes, and other serious offenses connected to the ongoing…
Former President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Joseph Kabila, was sentenced to death by a high military court on Tuesday, Sep 30, 2025. The charges against him include treason, war crimes, and other serious offenses connected to the ongoing conflict in the country's eastern region.
Kabila was sentenced in absentia for reportedly collaborating with the Rwanda-backed rebel group, M23, which initiated significant offensives in January 2025, seizing territory including the strategic hub of Goma. This offensive resulted in over 3,000 casualties and displaced nearly a million people.
The military tribunal, led by Lieutenant General Joseph Mutombo Katalayi, found Kabila guilty of several charges, including treason and war crimes such as intentional murder, rape, torture, and attacks against protected property. The court imposed the death penalty and ordered Kabila to pay $29 billion in damages to the DRC government, along with $2 billion to both the North Kivu and South Kivu regions.
Kabila's Background and Legal Proceedings
Kabila, who became president at 29 following the assassination of his father, served from 2001 to 2019. His tenure ended amid allegations of corruption and rights violations. After losing political influence, Kabila entered self-imposed exile in 2023, reportedly residing in South Africa. In May 2025, the DRC parliament voted to lift his presidential immunity as preparations for a trial commenced.
Former President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Joseph Kabila, was sentenced to death by a high military court on Tuesday, Sep 30, 2025.
The sentencing has potential implications for ongoing peace negotiations between the DRC government and M23 rebels, mediated by Qatar since July 2025. The ruling may affect these talks and exacerbate political tensions within the DRC.
The current location of Kabila remains unknown, with the court ordering his immediate arrest. The situation continues to evolve amidst concerns of further destabilization in the region.
Reactions to the court's decision include condemnation from Kabila's allies, who describe the sentencing as politically motivated. The M23/AFC rebel alliance also criticized the ruling, suggesting it violates prior agreements related to the peace talks.
Based on reporting by Al Jazeera.
