KINSHASA, DRC — The long-anticipated treason trial of former Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) president Joseph Kabila opened Friday before a military court in Kinshasa, sending political shockwaves across the country and reigniting tensions between the former head of state and President Félix Tshisekedi’s government.
Kabila, who ruled the mineral-rich country for 18 years until 2019, is facing a slew of serious charges including treason, murder, rape, torture, supporting an insurrectionist movement, and the illegal occupation of Goma by rebels.
The 53-year-old former president, currently not in custody, did not appear in court and has requested to be tried in absentia.
In a statement, he dismissed the trial as “arbitrary” and politically motivated, accusing the judiciary of being weaponized to silence dissent.
“This is an instrument of oppression disguised as a legal proceeding,” Kabila said in a letter read by his lawyers.
Court Adjourns to End of Month
After several hours of proceedings, the military tribunal adjourned the case to July 31, giving prosecutors more time to examine case files and compile evidence.
At the heart of the accusations is Kabila’s alleged support for the M23 rebel movement, which has seized large parts of eastern DRC.
Authorities also accuse him of helping found the Congo River Alliance, a coalition of rebel groups including M23.
President Tshisekedi has publicly accused Kabila of being the “architect of instability” in eastern Congo, claiming the former leader conspired with Rwandan authorities to unseat the current government.
Kabila returned to the DRC in May from self-imposed exile in South Africa and entered through Goma — a move that sparked renewed security concerns.
Immunity Stripped by Senate
Although former DRC presidents enjoy lifetime immunity as senators for life, the Senate revoked Kabila’s protection in May, clearing the way for prosecution — a historic and controversial move in Congolese politics.
Rwanda has denied any involvement, despite UN reports and Western intelligence accusing it of backing M23 and deploying thousands of troops to eastern DRC.
Kigali insists it is merely acting in self-defense to prevent conflict spillover.
Allies Cry Foul, Government Digs In
The case has divided opinion, with Kabila’s allies denouncing the trial as political theatre and an attempt to sideline the former president from the 2028 election cycle.
“This is a vendetta, not justice,” said Ferdinand Kambere, a senior figure in Kabila’s banned PPRD party. “Peace talks with rebels continue, yet our former president is vilified in court.”
Emmanuel Ramazani Shadary, Kabila’s former presidential candidate, called the proceedings “a sham” and claimed the verdict was prearranged.
But Deputy Justice Minister Samuel Mbemba defended the government’s stance.
“Justice does not follow a political calendar. It does not negotiate,” Mbemba said. “This trial is about accountability.”
A Nation at a Crossroads
The trial unfolds against a backdrop of fragile ceasefire agreements, stalled peace efforts with M23, and ongoing conflict in the east.
Just days ago, a declaration of principles was signed between the government and rebel groups, but fighting has not ceased.
In a video posted in May and later taken down, Kabila sharply criticised the Tshisekedi administration, branding it a “dictatorship” and accusing it of eroding democratic gains.
