French court jails Congo ex-rebel leader for 30 years

16/12/2025 6:27

Congolese ex-rebel leader Roger Lumbala was found guilty by a Paris court on Monday of complicity in crimes against humanity committed during the

Second Congo War and was sentenced to 30 years in prison, an official said.



The trial has been hailed by international justice advocates as a milestone in expanding accountability for the conflict that left millions dead.



Prosecutors had sought a life sentence for Lumbala, 67.



Announcing the verdict, court President Marc Sommerer said Lumbala was found guilty of ordering or aiding and abetting torture and inhumane crimes, summary executions, rape constituting torture, sexual slavery, forced labour, theft and pillage.