By KT Reporter
The public prosecutor has requested the death penalty against Joseph Kabila Kabange, former President of the Democratic Republic of Congo and senator, over his ties with the March 23 Movement (M23) rebels.
Lieutenant General Likulia Bakumi Lucien-René, Auditor General of the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC), representing the Attorney General, described Kabila before the military court on Friday as the intellectual instigator of the atrocities committed by the AFC/M23 rebels in the east of the country.
Bakumi emphasised that the violence, murders, rapes, deportations, and destruction caused massive harm to the Republic, justifying individual criminal responsibility. In addition to the death penalty, the prosecutor also asked for 20 years in prison for condoning war crimes, 15 years in prison for conspiracy against him.
The public prosecutor also asked for Kabila’s immediate arrest, conviction to pay costs and imprisonment. The High Military Court that is handling Kabila’s trial in his absence is expected to deliver its verdict by September 1 2025.
Kabila has not released a statement about the public prosecutor’s request. In April this year, the DR Congo government announced the commencement of legal proceedings against Kabila following his visit to Goma, a city currently under the control of M23 rebels.
The government also ordered the seizure of all movable and immovable property belonging to Kabila. He also announced the nationwide suspension of all activities of the People’s Party for Reconstruction and Development (PPRD), of which Kabila is the moral authority. Several senior PPRD officials were also arrested for questioning over alleged links to the M23 rebels.
Last year, M23 rebels announced the official arrival of Kabila in Goma city to stay.
Since then, Kabila has been holding engagements with various stakeholders, including religious leaders and has been seen several times in the company of M23 rebels’ top leaders.
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