The charges stem from allegations that Kabila supported the M23 rebel group, which has seized large swathes of territory in eastern Congo. While the government accuses the group of destabilizing national security, M23 claims it is fighting for the liberation of the Congolese people.

Kabila, 54, who led the DRC for 18 years after succeeding his assassinated father Laurent-Désiré Kabila in 2001, denied the charges but never appeared in court. He accused the judiciary of political bias, calling the trial “a sham” and describing the court as “a tool of oppression.” 

The former leader handed over power to Félix Tshisekedi in 2019 but later went into exile following political tensions between the two. Earlier this year, in April, Kabila declared he wanted to help find a solution to the violence in eastern Congo.  A month later, he was seen in Goma under M23 control.

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President Tshisekedi accused Kabila of orchestrating M23 operations and later stripped him of  immunity, clearing the way for prosecution.

Bertrand Bisimwa, Deputy Coordinator of AFC/M23, condemned the ruling, saying that sentencing Kabila to death over alleged ties with the movement contradicts peace principles recently signed by the government and M23.

Conflict in eastern Congo has intensified this year, with M23 capturing Goma, Bukavu, and two airport hubs in resource-rich areas. The UN and several European countries have accused Rwanda of backing M23 and deploying troops across the border claims Rwanda has repeatedly denied by saying  itsonly  defensive measures.