A Paris court has sentenced Roger Lumbala, a former Congolese rebel leader, to 30 years in prison for his role in crimes against humanity committed during the Second Congo War.
Lumbala, 67, was found guilty of ordering or aiding and abetting torture, summary executions, rape, and other atrocities carried out by the Rally for Congolese Democracy-National (RCD-N) in 2002-2003.
The trial marked a milestone in holding individuals accountable for crimes committed during the conflict, which left over 5 million people dead.
Lumbala’s conviction under France’s universal jurisdiction law demonstrates the country’s commitment to pursuing justice for international crimes.
