Former Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) President Joseph Kabila went on trial in absentia in Kinshasa on Friday, facing charges including treason, homicide, torture, and rape. The military court accuses him of plotting to overthrow President Felix Tshisekedi's government and supporting the Rwanda-backed M23 rebel group.

• Kabila faces potential death penalty if convicted of plotting to overthrow the government.
• He is accused of being an initiator of the Congo River Alliance, the M23's political arm.
• His immunity as senator for life was lifted by the legislature to allow his prosecution.