The Democratic Republic of Congo's High Military Court sentenced former President Joseph Kabila to death in absentia on Sept. 30, and ordered him to pay $30 billion in restitution to the state. The court convicted Kabila of war crimes, treason, crimes against humanity, and large-scale embezzlement. Authorities confiscated all his assets, and he must pay $2 billion each to North Kivu province, Bukavu city, and Isiro town.
The court ruled Kabila illegally concealed his Rwandan nationality to assume the presidency in violation of Congo's constitution. He faces more than 120 additional charges in military court after lawmakers lifted his parliamentary immunity earlier this year. His whereabouts remain unknown after he failed to appear for trial.
President Felix Tshisekedi's government accuses Kabila of supporting armed groups such as the March 23 Movement through the Alliance Fleuve Congo coalition. Eastern Congo has experienced deadly instability for over 20 years as armed groups fight for control of gold, coltan, and cobalt resources. Clashes between Congolese forces and M23 militants have killed thousands and displaced millions since early 2025.
The court ruled Kabila illegally concealed his Rwandan nationality to assume the presidency in violation of Congo's constitution. He faces more than 120 additional charges in military court after lawmakers lifted his parliamentary immunity earlier this year. His whereabouts remain unknown after he failed to appear for trial.
President Felix Tshisekedi's government accuses Kabila of supporting armed groups such as the March 23 Movement through the Alliance Fleuve Congo coalition. Eastern Congo has experienced deadly instability for over 20 years as armed groups fight for control of gold, coltan, and cobalt resources. Clashes between Congolese forces and M23 militants have killed thousands and displaced millions since early 2025.
