A high-stakes trial against former Congolese president Joseph Kabila will begin Friday in Kinshasa, marking a dramatic turn in the nation’s history.
According to a court document seen by AFP, Kabila faces charges including treason, homicide, torture, and “crimes against peace.”
The charges stem from Kabila’s alleged support for the M23 militia, a rebel group blamed for atrocities and territorial seizures in eastern Congo.
Prosecutors claim Kabila aided the group’s recent offensive, which saw the strategic city of Goma fall into rebel hands this January.
Kabila, who ruled the Democratic Republic of Congo from 2001 to 2019, arrived in Goma this May amid rising tensions and rumours of complicity.
His presence in the war-torn city raised alarm as reports emerged linking him to M23’s resurgence in the mineral-rich region.
The military court’s proceedings will test the nation’s fragile justice system and rekindle debates over impunity among political elites.
The accusations also deepen concerns about the role of former leaders in fuelling armed conflict for political and economic gain.
Observers say the trial could reshape Congo’s post-conflict trajectory and send a powerful signal about accountability at the highest level.
Security has been tightened around Kinshasa as the government braces for potential unrest surrounding the controversial court appearance.
The M23, long accused of human rights violations and backed by foreign actors, remains active in eastern Congo despite international calls for disarmament.
Kabila’s defence team has yet to respond publicly, but insiders suggest they will contest the charges as politically motivated and baseless.
As the nation watches closely, the trial promises to echo far beyond the courtroom—into the heart of Congo’s fight for justice and peace.
