In a dramatic development that has sent shockwaves across Africa, a military court in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has sentenced former president Joseph Kabila to death in absentia, convicting him of war crimes, treason, and crimes against humanity.
The ruling, delivered on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, in Kinshasa, marks the first time a former Congolese head of state has been condemned to death by a national court.
According to the prosecution, Kabila was found guilty of conspiring with the rebel group M23, accused of occupying territory in the volatile eastern region, including the city of Goma, and committing atrocities against civilians. The charges also included murder, sexual violence, torture, and organizing an insurrection.
The court additionally ordered Kabila to pay billions of dollars in damages to the Congolese state and victims. Reports suggest the compensation amount could exceed $30 billion.
Kabila, who ruled the DRC from 2001 to 2019 after succeeding his assassinated father, did not appear at the trial and had no legal representation. His immunity as a senator-for-life was lifted earlier this year, clearing the way for prosecution.
The 53-year-old former leader, currently believed to be outside the country, has denied all wrongdoing, dismissing the case as politically motivated. His political allies have strongly criticized the verdict, describing it as a move to silence him and weaken opposition forces.
The DRC, long plagued by cycles of armed conflict, corruption, and weak institutions, now faces a new chapter of uncertainty as the country grapples with the unprecedented sentencing of a former head of state.
