PROSECUTORS in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR Congo) have sought the death penalty for Corneille Nangaa Yabeluo, the former head of the Independent Electoral Commission (CENI), during a military court trial on charges of war crimes and treason.
Yabeluo and his alleged accomplices stand accused of conspiring against the state, participating in an insurrectional movement, and committing war crimes. The government prosecutor has also called for the confiscation of their property.
The defence attorney has requested the court to grant at least five days to respond to the prosecutor’s charges. The trial, which began last Wednesday, has yet to see Yabeluo appear before the court. So far, only five of the 24 defendants in custody have made court appearances.
Defence lawyers have voiced concerns about insufficient time to prepare their cases. Yabeluo is accused of allying with several rebel movements, including the M23, known for crimes and conspiracies against the Kinshasa government. Currently, Yabeluo serves as the coordinator of the Alliance Fleuve Congo political-military movement, launched in Kenya in December, shortly before the Congolese presidential election.
Notably, DR Congo reinstated the death penalty on March 15 this year, adding a significant dimension to this high-profile trial.
