General Lucien René Likulia, representing the public prosecutor's office, called on the High Military Court to sentence Kabila to death for 'war crimes,' 'treason,' and 'organising an insurrectional movement.' The prosecution also requested 20 years in prison for 'glorifying war crimes' and 15 years for 'conspiracy.'
Kabila, who has been living abroad for over two years, returned briefly to eastern Congo in May, visiting Goma and Bukavuâ€"cities under the control of the M23 group. There, he held consultations with political and civil society representatives, which he said were intended to 'contribute to the return of peace' in the country. His visits, however, were viewed by the government in Kinshasa as attempts to legitimise the rebel movement.
Eastern Congo has been plagued by conflict for over 30 years. Violence escalated early this year when M23 seized control of Goma and Bukavu, capitals of North Kivu and South Kivu. The prosecution argued that Kabila bears 'criminal and individual responsibility' for the "harm" caused by the rebel group.
According to General Likulia, Kabila allegedly planned a coup against President Félix Tshisekedi, who succeeded him in 2019 following a contested election. Prosecutors claim he intended to 'overthrow the constitutional regime by force' with support from figures such as Corneille Nangaa, former head of the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI), before joining M23 in 2023 and heading its political branch, the Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC).
Prior to his May visit, Kabila released a 12-point peace proposal, calling for disbanding armed groups, national dialogue, engagement with neighbouring countries, and ending authoritarian rule. While his supporters hailed the plan as a step toward peace, authorities deemed it a threat to national stability.
The trial, which opened on July 25 in Kinshasa, marks the first time a former Congolese president has faced prosecution before a military court. Kabila is not expected to appear in person, but the hearings will continue in his absence.
A moratorium on the death penalty had been in place in the DRC since 2003 and was lifted in 2024, though no executions have occurred since.
Wycliffe Nyamasege
Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/prosecution-seeks-death-penalty-for-former-drc-president-kabila
