Congo’s ex-president Kabila sentenced to death in absentia by military court  

A military court in the Democratic Republic of Congo has sentenced former President Joseph Kabila to death in absentia for treason, crimes against humanity, and war crimes.

The charges against Kabila include allegations of murder, sexual assault, torture, and incitement of insurrection.

Kabila, who ruled the DRC from 2001 to 2019, was accused of supporting the M23 rebel group, which has seized large swaths of territory in eastern Congo.

The group is backed by Rwanda, which denies providing military support. Kabila’s trial was held in absentia, and he was not represented by legal counsel.

Kabila was found guilty of complicity with the M23 anti-government armed group and plotting to overthrow President Felix Tshisekedi.

The death penalty was imposed, although the DRC has not carried out judicial executions since lifting its moratorium on the death penalty last year.

Kabila was ordered to pay $50 billion in damages, including $29 billion to the Congolese government and $2 billion each to North and South Kivu provinces.

Reacting, Kabila’s party slammed the proceedings as a “political trial,” and observers believe the death sentence aims to prevent Kabila from uniting the opposition.

The sentence has drew international attention, raising questions about political accountability and justice in the DRC.

Observers warn that the verdict could have far-reaching consequences, potentially provoking unrest among Kabila’s supporters and complicating efforts to stabilize the eastern provinces.