A French court has issued a landmark ruling in the pursuit of justice for atrocities committed during the Democratic Republic of Congo’s conflicts, sentencing former rebel leader and ex-minister Roger Lumbala to 30 years in prison. Lumbala, who headed the Rally for Congolese Democracy–National, was convicted of complicity in crimes against humanity linked to a military campaign carried out in eastern Congo between 2002 and 2003.
Prosecutors detailed how fighters under his command carried out widespread abuses against civilians, including murder, torture, rape, forced labour and looting. The case was heard under France’s universal jurisdiction framework, which allows French courts to try individuals for serious international crimes committed outside the country.
Human rights groups have welcomed the decision as a significant advance in the fight against impunity for crimes committed during Congo’s prolonged and deadly conflicts. During the trial, more than 60 victims and witnesses gave testimony, recounting years of violence and suffering inflicted on their communities.
In addition to the prison sentence, the court imposed a permanent ban on Lumbala from entering French territory. The verdict concludes years of legal proceedings following his arrest in Paris in 2021 and underscores that alleged perpetrators of grave international crimes can still be held accountable, regardless of their status or the passage of time.
