The treason trial of the former president of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Joseph Kabila, has begun in a military court in the capital, Kinshasa.
He also faces other charges, including murder and rape, linked to his alleged support for M23 rebels – who control a large part of the mineral-rich east of the country. He denies the charges, did not appear at the hearing and has asked to be tried in absentia.
Kabila’s successor, President Félix Tshisekedi, has accused him of being the brains behind the rebels.