Trial of Former President Kabila Opens
The High Military Court of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) on Thursday, July 25, 2025, is commencing the trial of former President Joseph Kabila, who ruled the country from 2001 until 2019.
This trial follows the Senate’s decision on May 22 to strip Kabila of his immunity as a life senator, clearing the way for prosecution.
The DRC Military Prosecution accuses Kabila of multiple serious crimes, including treason, involvement in an illegal armed group, crimes against peace and humanity, rape, and torture.
Prosecutors allege that Kabila is among the top leaders of the AFC/M23 coalition, which has controlled the city of Goma since January 2025 and Bukavu since February 2025.
The military prosecution says its investigation gathered substantial evidence and witness testimony from Goma and other locations where these crimes are alleged to have been committed.
The Congolese government has long claimed that Kabila was part of AFC/M23 leadership. However, in March 2025, the government dismissed such claims as false, arguing that if Kabila indeed led the coalition, its fighters would have advanced further militarily.
In May 2025, Kabila returned to Goma after spending more than a year in exile across various African countries. His return was preceded by public announcements that he intended to contribute to peacebuilding in the DRC.
During his stay in Goma and Bukavu through June, he met with various Congolese groups, including religious leaders, politicians, civil society representatives, and networks of women and youth, to discuss pathways to peace in the conflict-torn nation.
Before travelling to Goma, Kabila had released a 12-point peace plan proposing solutions such as dismantling armed groups, promoting national dialogue and reconciliation, engaging neighbouring countries in talks, and ending authoritarian governance.
Currently, Kabila resides in Goma, which serves as his permanent base of operations. Although his trial will not be held in the city, close associates say he intends to attend and defend himself in court.
