Trial of Former President Joseph Kabila, of Democratic Republic of Congo Held in Absentia in Military Court

 

Former DR Congo leader

The trial of former President Joseph Kabila, of the Democratic Republic of Congo has opened in a military court.

The former leader stands accused of treason among other range of serious crimes tied to his alleged support for the M23 rebel group.

Charges against him include murder, torture, rape, and plotting to overthrow the government with the Authorities alleging that he backed the M23 rebels, who have seized large areas of territory in the eastern DRC.

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Kabila who has previously denied any ties to the group was not present at the hearing held in Kinshasa's Gombe district as he is currently outside the country and is being tried in absentia.

Kabila ruled the DRC for 18 years before handing power to Félix Tshisekedi in 2019.

The case has drawn national attention, with many watching closely to see how the trial unfolds. Proceedings have been adjourned until July 31.