The Democratic Republic of Congo’s High Military Court has launched proceedings against former President Joseph Kabila on Friday, July 25, marking an unprecedented moment in the nation’s judicial and political history.
The charges levelled against Kabila are grave, including participation in an insurrectional movement, treason, homicide by gunfire, rape, torture, deportation, and crimes against peace. These allegations stem primarily from his suspected role in the rebel-controlled city of Goma and the testimony of Éric Nkumba, a former rebel associate now imprisoned, who implicated Kabila in a conversation with Corneille Nangaa, leader of the AFC/M23 movement.
Though Kabila has been in self-imposed exile for over two years, he briefly resurfaced in Goma recently—an appearance that reignited scrutiny. The trial follows the Senate’s lifting of his parliamentary immunity in May, paving the way for judicial action. His absence at the hearing is anticipated, but the prosecution continues to rely heavily on documented testimonies and intelligence reports linking him to insurrectional activities targeting President Félix Tshisekedi’s government. Nkumba’s claims, according to the military tribunal, suggest that Kabila engaged in explicit discussions about destabilising the state.
The situation has its roots in Kabila’s quiet departure from the DRC nearly two years ago, which was not officially communicated to authorities. By mid-2024, President Tshisekedi publicly accused his predecessor of orchestrating the AFC/M23 rebellion. Kabila, in turn, emerged to denounce the current administration’s alleged authoritarian tendencies and returned to Goma—asserting a renewed political presence. The ensuing legal steps, including searches of his properties and parliamentary sanction, now culminate in a historic trial as Kinshasa simultaneously negotiates peace terms with the AFC/M23, notably excluding Kabila from the process.