A military court in the Democratic Republic of Congo has commenced the trial of former President Joseph Kabila, who faces charges of treason and multiple human rights violations over alleged links to the M23 rebel group.
The trial, held in Kinshasa’s Gombe district, opened without Kabila’s presence.
He is currently outside the country and is being tried in absentia.
The former leader is accused of backing the M23 rebels, who have taken control of vast territories in eastern DRC.
The charges against him include treason, murder, torture, rape, and attempting to topple the government — all of which he has denied.
Kabila, who led the country for 18 years before handing over power to President Félix Tshisekedi in 2019, saw his relationship with his successor deteriorate in 2020 after the collapse of their power-sharing deal.
He later relocated to South Africa.
His return to the DRC in May and subsequent visits to areas held by M23 fighters sparked outrage.
In response, authorities stripped him of his constitutional immunity as a life senator, paving the way for legal proceedings.
The case has captured national attention and is seen as a major test for the country’s judicial system. The trial has been adjourned until July 31.
