Archive · 30 Sep 2025
Ex-Congo President Kabila Sentenced to Death in Absentia
A military court in Kinshasa, DRC, sentenced former president Joseph Kabila to death.
He was found guilty of severe charges including war crimes, treason, and crimes against humanity.
The trial occurred in absentia; Kabila was not present nor represented.
He was also ordered to pay $50 billion in damages.
This ruling could deepen existing divisions in the country, which has experienced prolonged conflict.
Kabila, who led the DRC from 2001-2019, is currently residing in South Africa.
Former President Joseph Kabila sentenced to death in absentia.
The sentence was delivered by a military court in Kinshasa.
Kabila was convicted of war crimes, treason, and crimes against humanity.
He was also ordered to pay $50 billion in damages.
The case is linked to alleged support of the M23 rebels.
- Who
- Former President Joseph Kabila
- What
- Sentenced to death in absentia by military court
- When
- Tuesday
- Where
- Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo
- Why
- Convicted of war crimes, treason, crimes against humanity, murder, sexual assault, torture, and insurrection
Kabila's Stance
Tshisekedi Government
Kabila's Alleged Role
Kabila's Stance
Kabila denies any wrongdoing related to the M23 rebels.
Tshisekedi Government
Tshisekedi accused Kabila of sponsoring the insurgency and supporting the advance of the M23 rebels.
- Defendant
- Joseph Kabila
- Court
- Military Court
- Location
- Kinshasa, DRC
- Sentence
- Death in absentia
- Damages Ordered
- $50 billion
- Convictions
- War crimes, treason, crimes against humanity, murder, sexual assault, torture, insurrection