Roger Lumbala, a former rebel leader and ex-lawmaker from the Democratic Republic of Congo, was convicted by a Paris criminal court for complicity in crimes against humanity committed in the early 2000s.

Judges found that he knowingly supported and enabled abuses carried out by fighters affiliated with his movement and imposed a 30-year prison sentence.

Universal Jurisdiction Put to Test

The verdict was delivered by a Paris criminal court after a trial examining events that occurred more than two decades ago in northeastern Congo. Lumbala was found guilty of complicity in crimes against humanity, a charge that does not require direct participation but hinges on aiding, ordering, or facilitating systematic abuses.

The court concluded that his leadership role established responsibility for crimes committed by forces under his political and military influence.

Atrocities in Ituri Province

The prosecution centered on violence carried out in Ituri between 2002 and 2003, during one of the deadliest phases of Congo’s conflict.

Testimony described killings, torture, rape, sexual slavery, forced labor, and widespread looting targeting civilian populations. Prosecutors argued the crimes were part of an organized campaign against communities accused of supporting rival factions.

Witness Testimony and Evidence

Survivors told the court they were subjected to prolonged abuse, including being forced to work under armed guard for weeks and witnessing executions of civilians.

Judges said the consistency of testimonies, combined with documentary and expert evidence, established a pattern of systematic violence rather than isolated incidents.

Accountability Beyond Congo

Human rights groups said the ruling sends a message to former armed leaders who have lived abroad for years without facing prosecution.

The case highlights how European courts are increasingly used to pursue accountability when domestic justice systems or international tribunals fail to act.