Former DRC Leader Accused of Holding Huge Wealth
The wealth of former Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) president Joseph Kabila has become the center of a major legal battle. Government lawyers claim that Joseph Kabila wealth is estimated at $32 billion, which is said to be almost twice the DRC’s national budget for 2025, valued at $18.4 billion.
This revelation shocked many citizens, as Kabila’s fortune is also reported to be bigger than that of Aliko Dangote, Africa’s richest businessman. Dangote’s net worth is valued at around $28 billion, according to recent reports.
Learn more about Africa’s richest billionaires here.
Joseph Kabila Wealth Compared to Dangote
Dangote’s Investments in Africa
Aliko Dangote is widely known for his giant company, Dangote Group, which invests heavily in industries like cement, fertilizer, and petroleum. Over the last seven years, Dangote has invested more than $25 billion into African industries.
Kabila’s Reported Fortune
According to state lawyers, Joseph Kabila wealth is even greater than Dangote’s, raising questions about how he acquired it. They argue that the money was allegedly taken from the country during his 18 years in power.
Past Reports on Kabila’s Finances.
In past years, several investigations tried to uncover details of the Kabila family’s business empire:
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In 2017, the Congo Research Group revealed that Kabila’s family owned multiple companies earning millions of dollars, but not billions.
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In 2021, the Congo Hold-Up investigation reported that the Kabila family had used $138 million in unclear transactions.
Supporters of Kabila insist that he left $2 billion in the Central Bank of Congo before leaving power. However, these claims remain disputed.
Serious Allegations Against Kabila
Crimes Against Humanity
Government lawyers also accuse Kabila of war crimes and crimes against humanity. These include:
- torture and killings
- forced disappearances
- targeting civilians in conflict zones
- destruction of schools and hospitals
Political Allegations
Kabila is also accused of secretly supporting the armed coalition AFC/M23, which has been active in Eastern Congo. Prosecutors argue he played a key role in funding and leading the group.
You can read about M23 conflict updates here.
Questions About Identity
Another controversial point raised in court is Kabila’s identity. Some government lawyers insist that his original name was Hippolyte Kanambe, claiming he was of Rwandan origin before becoming Congolese. They argue that he changed his background to rule the DRC after the assassination of Laurent Désiré Kabila in 2001.
What Happens Next
The High Military Court in Kinshasa is now deciding whether Kabila should face trial on these charges. If proven true, his fortune could be seized to recover funds for the Congolese people.
The case has divided the public: some see it as a long-awaited step for justice, while others believe it is politically motivated by the current administration of President Félix Tshisekedi.
For more updates on Congolese politics, visit our Africa News section.
