The military court trial for Joseph Kabila kicked off in Kinshasa, where the ex-president faces accusations of treason and murder linked to his purported support for the M23 rebel group, controlling significant territory in the east. Kabila, who has dismissed these charges as trivial and deceitful, chose to boycott the court proceedings.
Current President Félix Tshisekedi claims Kabila is the architect behind the M23's destabilization efforts, leading to increasing tensions in the region. This follows last week’s ceasefire agreement between the government and rebels, although hostilities persist.
After a two-year self-imposed exile in South Africa, Kabila returned to the DRC in May, landing in Goma, a city under rebel control. The UN and various Western nations have suggested that Rwanda backs the M23 and deploys soldiers into Congo, allegations Rwanda has publicly rejected.
In May, the DRC legislature removed Kabila's senator for life immunity, allowing prosecution for multiple offenses, highlighting a divide in political narratives in the country. Kabila governed for 18 years but faced criticism and tension following his succession of power in a controversial election in 2019.
Ahead of the trial, a former ally criticized the government’s handling of Kabila and claimed the trial reflects an effort to marginalize him politically. Meanwhile, the ongoing conflict and political turmoil continue to shape the narrative surrounding both Kabila and the DRC at large.
