WANTED: Former DRC President Joseph Kabila sentenced to death for treason & war crimes

(Photo: Luis Tato/AFP)

A military court in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has sentenced former President Joseph Kabila to death in absentia on charges of treason and war crimes.

The ruling links Kabila to the long-running M23 rebellion in eastern DRC, a conflict that has destabilised the region for years and displaced thousands of people. The court alleged that Kabila played a role in supporting armed groups responsible for widespread atrocities, including mass killings, sexual violence, and the recruitment of child soldiers.

Kabila, who ruled the country from 2001 until 2019, was not present at the proceedings. He has not publicly commented on the charges, and his whereabouts remain unclear.

The sentencing comes at a time of heightened political tension in the DRC, with critics warning that the case may deepen divisions within the country. Human rights groups have urged transparency in the judicial process, noting that war crimes trials are essential for accountability but must be free from political influence.

The M23 rebellion, one of the most violent insurgencies in eastern DRC, has resurged in recent years despite previous peace deals. The group has been accused of widespread abuses, sparking regional concerns and drawing international condemnation.

Authorities in Kinshasa say they are committed to bringing Kabila to justice, while regional observers question how such a sentence can be enforced against a former head of state.