Analyst Calls Kabila Death Sentence Case a Political Settling of Scores

Kinshasa, DRC, August 9, 2026 - Patrick Mbeko, a prominent political analyst, has characterized the ongoing trial of former President Joseph Kabila, who faces a potential death sentence, as a politically motivated effort rather than a genuine pursuit of justice. Mbeko's remarks come in the context of President Félix Tshisekedi's commitment to dismantle the political legacy of Kabila and his allies following the contentious coalition between the Front Commun pour le Congo (FCC) and the Cap pour le Changement (CACH). He argues that the prosecution of Kabila and his inner circle is less about accountability for past actions and more about settling scores in the current political landscape.

Mbeko further contextualizes the situation by referencing the remilitarization of the M23 rebel group, noting that Kabila was not in power during this resurgence. He critiques the UN Group of Experts report, which heavily relies on figures from the FCC, asserting that it fails to establish Kabila's leadership role in the movement. The analyst points out that Congolese military and judicial intelligence has not produced conclusive evidence linking Kabila to the M23, raising questions about the validity of the charges against him.

In his analysis, Mbeko suggests that Kabila's current political maneuvers indicate a desire to regain power, whether through military action or democratic processes. He claims that the United States has played a crucial role in neutralizing Kabila's political influence, citing CIA pressure on Kabila's associates and a significant realignment of the FCC's position in 2020-21, which was influenced by the US embassy. He interprets recent US sanctions as a preemptive measure against a potential Kabila resurgence rather than as evidence of his guilt. Despite the ongoing legal challenges, Mbeko asserts that regional leaders continue to view Kabila with a degree of trust, complicating the narrative of his political downfall.