MWE Correspondent
Military prosecutors in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) have formally requested the death penalty for former President Joseph Kabila, accusing him of treason and collaborating with the M23 rebel group.
Kabila, who led the DRC from 2001 to 2019, faces charges including war crimes, crimes against humanity, and conspiracy to overthrow the government through alleged coordination with M23, a militia that has been active in the country’s eastern provinces.
During a recent hearing in Kinshasa, prosecutors also requested the confiscation of Kabila’s assets, further escalating the high-stakes legal proceedings against the former leader. However, Kabila was absent from the court session and has yet to issue an official public statement addressing the accusations.
In a message posted on his X account (formerly Twitter) on Saturday, Kabila appeared to respond indirectly to the proceedings, writing:
“Neither East nor West will turn us away from our path. The people of Congo will no longer tolerate dictatorship or oppression fueled by greed. Your end is already written, like the setting sun every evening. The determination of resolute people is stronger than all forces combined.”
The trial has drawn international attention, with observers expressing concern about the potential political motivations behind the case. Kabila’s supporters argue that the charges may be intended to neutralize a key opposition figure ahead of future elections, while the government maintains that the proceedings are a legitimate attempt to hold leaders accountable for alleged wrongdoing.
M23, the group at the center of the allegations, has been accused of numerous human rights abuses, including killings, forced displacement, and sexual violence. The Congolese authorities claim that Kabila’s alleged support for the militia played a role in the destabilization of the eastern regions, exacerbating existing tensions.
Legal experts note that the outcome of this trial could have far-reaching implications for the DRC’s political landscape, including the balance of power among political parties and the country’s relations with neighboring states. Human rights organizations are closely monitoring the situation, emphasizing the importance of a fair and transparent judicial process.
