PARIS/KINSHASA — A French court has sentenced former rebel leader and Congolese politician Roger Lumbala, 67, to 30 years in prison after finding him guilty of complicity in crimes against humanity committed during the Second Congo War more than two decades ago.
Lumbala, who headed the Rally of Congolese Democrats and Nationalists (RCD-N) backed by Uganda, was convicted of ordering or aiding torture, summary executions, sexual slavery, forced labour, and theft. He refused to recognize the legitimacy of the Paris court and did not attend the trial, though he was present to hear the verdict.
Background
The Second Congo War (1998–2003) involved nine countries and numerous rebel groups, leading to an estimated two to five million deaths. Lumbala’s faction carried out atrocities during the “Erase the Slate” campaign in 2002–2003, targeting Nande and Bambuti ethnic groups accused of supporting rival militias. A UN investigation described the campaign as “premeditated operations using looting, rape and summary execution as tools of warfare.”
Lumbala later served as a minister in DR Congo’s transitional government (2003–2005) and as a member of parliament, before fleeing to France after being accused of supporting the M23 rebel group. He was arrested in Paris nearly five years ago under the principle of universal jurisdiction, which allows French courts to prosecute crimes against humanity committed abroad.
Survivor Testimonies
During the trial, 65 survivors, witnesses, and experts testified. Survivors David Karamay Kasereka and Pisco Sirikivuya Paluku described torture, killings, and sexual violence carried out by Lumbala’s men. Paluku, now a nurse, said: “We hope this will serve as a lesson to those who continue to bring grief to the people of Congo, and particularly to Ituri.”
Human rights groups hailed the verdict as historic. Trial International’s Daniele Perissi said: “For the first time, a national court has dared to confront the atrocities of the Second Congo War and show that justice can break through even after decades of impunity.”
Next Steps
Lumbala’s legal team has 10 days to appeal the ruling, calling the sentence excessive after prosecutors had sought a life term. The case adds to a growing list of convictions of Congolese militia leaders, including Thomas Lubanga, Germain Katanga, and Bosco Ntaganda, tried by the International Criminal Court.