More than two decades after his death, many questions remain unanswered about the Congolese president’s killing. Who were the real masterminds?
On January 16, 2001, the President of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Laurent-Désiré Kabila, was assassinated in his office at the Marble Palace in Kinshasa. The alleged shooter, Rachidi Kasereka, a member of his close security detail, was shot dead on the spot. But ever since, doubts have persisted: was this young guard merely a pawn in a much larger conspiracy?
Officially, 80 people were arrested, including several army officers. Among them was Eddy Kapend, the president’s aide-de-camp, who was sentenced to death but later pardoned in 2021 by President Félix Tshisekedi. Many observers believe the trials were rushed and marred by serious irregularities.
Reports from Jeune Afrique and BBC Afrique have pointed to the possible involvement of foreign powers and internal networks opposed to Kabila’s nationalist policies — especially his deteriorating relations with former allies in the liberation war, such as Rwanda and Uganda. Kabila had alienated several partners by trying to increase state control over Congo's vast mineral resources.
According to a former Congolese intelligence officer quoted by Voice of America, “The assassination was planned, with accomplices reaching the highest levels of the state.” Yet the full truth remains elusive, due to the lack of transparency from Congolese authorities at the time.
Even today, the murder of Laurent-Désiré Kabila remains a taboo subject, fueling countless theories and speculations. The absence of an independent investigation continues to block true justice, leaving a legacy of impunity.
References:
Jeune Afrique, "Who killed Laurent-Désiré Kabila?", 2021 edition
BBC Afrique, "Looking back on Kabila’s assassination", 2021
Voice of America, "Twenty years later: unanswered questions about Kabila’s murder", 2021
RAI News, International coverage on Central Africa