The Democratic Republic of Congo has been plunged into uncertainty after a military court sentenced former President Joseph Kabila to death on charges of treason, war crimes and participation in an insurrection movement. The verdict has provoked strong reactions in the eastern part of the country, especially in Goma, which has been under the control of the AFC/M23 rebel alliance since January. Residents fear that Kabila’s conviction could further destabilise an already fragile security situation.
Kabila visited Goma a few months ago to meet the population, and his subsequent arrest has raised deep concerns among locals. Many believe the conviction will spark greater violence and division, arguing that it will not bring peace to the region. “His arrest could worsen the situation regarding the war,” said Alewis Sambuka, a motorcycle‑taxi driver. “If he is really working with the M23, they will be angry when he is arrested.”
The M23 rebel group has strongly opposed the conviction, calling it a “theatrical display of justice” and a violation of the declaration of principles signed by Kinshasa and Kigali in Qatar in July. Spokesperson Lumumba Kambere criticized the sentence, warning that it could further fuel regional divisions.
The conviction carries significant implications for the already fragile political and security climate in eastern DRC. Independent analyst Hubert Masomeko warned that the decision would negatively affect national unity and emphasized the need for internal dialogue to promote cohesion amid ongoing violence. The international community has also urged the DRC to create conditions for dialogue to address the crisis.
The sentence arrives on the eve of a crucial diplomatic meeting between Kinshasa and Kigali, intended to relaunch operations against the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda. Nevertheless, skepticism prevails on the ground in eastern Congo, with many fearing that the country will sink further into a spiral of violence from which it is struggling to escape. The situation remains uncertain, with the potential for further escalation and instability in the region.
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