In the Democratic Republic of Congo, a military court’s decision to hand down the death sentence to former president Joseph Kabila has triggered strong reactions, particularly in the eastern city of Goma. The city has been under the control of the AFC–M23 rebel alliance since January, and many residents fear the ruling could deepen divisions and fuel more violence.

Kabila was convicted of treason, war crimes, and participation in an insurrection movement. His supporters in Goma worry the verdict could escalate the conflict. “His arrest could worsen the situation regarding the war. If he is really working with the M23, they will be angry when he is arrested,” one motorcycle taxi driver told Africanews. Others argue that the conviction will not bring peace, instead calling for dialogue and compromise.

The M23 rebel movement immediately condemned the court’s ruling, describing it as a “theatrical display of justice” and a violation of peace commitments signed between Kinshasa and Kigali earlier this year.

With tensions already high, the sentence has raised new concerns about instability in the conflict-ridden region.