Roger Lumbala

Type of liability
Personne physique

Alleged perpetrator(s)
Roger LUMBALA

Nationality of alleged perpetrator(s)
Congolese (DRC)

Legal classification of crime(s)
Complicity in crimes against humanity
Criminal conspiracy to prepare crimes against humanity

Source of the complaint
Article 40 CCP

Ongoing proceedings
oui

Regime
3 - 689-11 CPP

Summary of facts

Roger Lumbala is the former warlord and leader of the Rassemblement congolais pour la démocratie-National (RDC-N). He is accused of crimes against humanity and cannibalism allegedly committed between 2000 and 2003, while he was leader of the RDC-N, and then Minister of Foreign Trade from April 2003 to January 2005.

The acts mainly concern the military mission “Effacer le Tableau”, which has been extensively documented, notably by a 2003 United Nations Security Council report (S/2003/674), and then by the 2010 United Nations Mapping Report on the DRC.

Operation “Effacer le tableau” was allegedly carried out with the aim of seizing control of areas rich in natural resources in the east of the country. In this context, Lumbala allegedly gave orders to commit torture and aided or assisted the RCD-N troops by providing the necessary supplies and by allowing the fighters under his authority and control to commit these crimes.

Amnesty International France recalls that everyone is presumed innocent until proven guilty according to law.

Legal proceedings

In 2016: The specialized unit of the Paris High Court opens an investigation against Roger Lumbala, after his asylum application was rejected by the National Court of Asylum. 
December 29, 2020: He is arrested and imprisoned in Paris. 
January 2, 2021: Roger Lumbala is indicted for his “alleged participation in a group formed for the purpose of preparing crimes against humanity” and “complicity in crimes against humanity” during Operation “Effacer le tableau”, on the basis of the Mapping Report. 
Throughout 2021: Several NGOs and more than a dozen Congolese nationals join as civil parties. 
In 2022: Numerous civil parties are heard by the investigating judge. 
In October 2023: The Paris Court of Appeal rejects the application filed by Roger Lumbala’s lawyer seeking a finding that the procedural requirement to verify the absence of extradition proceedings against the accused had been breached. Roger Lumbala’s lawyer appeals this decision to the Court of Cassation. 
Monday, November 6, 2023: An indictment order is issued for “complicity in crimes against humanity”. 
February 28, 2024: The Paris Court of Appeal upholds the indictment for “complicity in crimes against humanity”. Roger Lumbala files two appeals to the Court of Cassation, one concerning the indictment and the other for breach of the non-extradition requirement. 
June 4, 2024: The Court of Cassation joins and dismisses both appeals. 
From November 12 to December 15, 2025: The trial of Roger Lumbala will take place in Paris. 
December 15, 2025: Roger Lumbala is sentenced by the Paris Assize Court to thirty years’ imprisonment for complicity in crimes against humanity.