Former Congolese President Joseph Kabila has responded to the recent developments in his treason trial, denouncing the military prosecutor’s request for the death penalty as a political move aimed at silencing the opposition. Kabila’s statement came after the prosecutor sought the death penalty last week, citing charges of war crimes, rape, and murder.
Kabila emphasized that the trial has nothing to do with justice, criticizing his successor, President Félix Tshisekedi, for not taking responsibility for his government’s failures. He also accused Tshisekedi’s administration of corruption related to the mining provinces of Katanga. The former president called for dialogue between all parties in the national political scene, stating that reconciliation will not come from partial agreements or selective trials.
Kabila’s trial, which began in late July, is being held in absentia before the High Military Court. He is accused of supporting the Rwanda-backed M23 group and plotting to overthrow the government. However, Kabila described these claims as “false and politically motivated” and denounced the lack of evidence. The prosecutor has also requested a 20-year sentence for Kabila’s alleged condoning of war crimes and 15 years for conspiracy.
The developments in Kabila’s trial come after he ended his two-year self-imposed exile in April, returning to the Democratic Republic of Congo. His parliamentary immunity was later revoked by the Congolese Senate, paving the way for legal proceedings. The trial has significant implications for the country’s political landscape, with Kabila’s allies and opponents closely watching the developments.
The case against Kabila is part of a broader effort by the Tshisekedi administration to address the country’s security challenges and promote accountability. The outcome of the trial is likely to have far-reaching consequences for the Democratic Republic of Congo, with potential implications for regional stability and international relations. As the trial continues, attention will be focused on the High Military Court’s verdict and the potential impact on the country’s fragile political balance.
