French court sentences ex-DR Congo rebel and politician to 30 years in jail

A French court has sentenced ex-DR Congo rebel and politician Roger Lumbala to 30 years in jail for complicity in crimes against humanity during the Second Congo War. Lumbala, accused of ordering or aiding torture, summary executions, rape, and more, refused to accept the court's legitimacy. The case highlighted atrocities committed in DR Congo's eastern provinces and was prosecuted under the universal jurisdiction principle, allowing French courts to address crimes against humanity abroad. Human rights groups praised the verdict as a landmark in seeking accountability for long-standing conflicts in the region.