The Democratic Republic of Congo has been plunged into deeper political and regional divisions following the death sentence handed to former President Joseph Kabila. The 54‑year‑old was convicted in absentia by the Military High Court in Kinshasa on September 30 for treason and war crimes. Prosecutors alleged that Kabila founded the Alliance Fleuve Congo, the political wing of the M23 rebel movement, and led the armed coalition AFC/M23.
The ruling has sparked mixed reactions. The government and its supporters in Kinshasa hail it as a significant step in the fight against impunity. Christian Lumu, a member of President Félix Tshisekedi’s Union for Democracy and Social Progress party, welcomed the decision, stating that it reinforces the principle that no one is above the law. In contrast, many in the eastern part of the country, where Kabila still commands loyalty, view the verdict as a political attack that threatens peace efforts.
Human Rights Watch condemned the move, suggesting it could be seen as a warning to political opponents. The organization’s Africa director, Lewis Mudge, argued that the trial and verdict bear the hallmarks of a political vendetta, indicating that the Congolese government is moving toward a more authoritarian path. Mudge pointed out that Kabila’s immunity was stripped quickly and that the trial proceeded rapidly without his representation.
Civil‑society leaders in the eastern region, where Kabila remains popular, also criticized the verdict. Sammy Jean Takimbula argued that the conviction would weaken the search for peace in a region plagued by conflict for 30 years, with violence intensifying in early 2025. The M23 armed group, supported by Rwanda, has captured several cities, including Goma and Bukavu, raising concerns about the impact of Kabila’s conviction on ongoing peace talks between DRC authorities and the AFC/M23 in Qatar.
Lumu downplayed the risk, stating that the discussions aim to consolidate unity, build peace, and reconcile the Congolese people, and emphasizing that real justice must be done for reconciliation to be genuine. Takimbula, however, believes the conviction distracts from peace efforts, noting that Kabila had been working toward reconciliation and had held consultations with civil‑society representatives in South Kivu. Mudge also questioned the timing of the conviction, suggesting it may be linked to the upcoming 2028 elections, in which Kabila could emerge as a challenger to President Tshisekedi.
The conviction of Joseph Kabila has significant implications for the DRC’s political landscape, and its impact on the peace process remains uncertain. As the country prepares for the 2028 elections, the situation is likely to remain volatile, with ongoing tensions between the government and opposition forces.
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