Former Congo election body head Yobeluo skips military trial

KINSHASA, Congo

The Congo's former head of the Independent Electoral Commission (CENI), Corneille Nangaa Yobeluo, did not attend a military trial Wednesday where he and 24 others are accused of "conspiring against the state."

Justice Minister Constant Mutamba attended the trial that began at the Gombe military court at the Ndolo military prison in the nation’s capital of Kinshasa.

Five of the 24 defendants showed up for the trial.

Yobeluo, the leader of the Congo River Alliance group (AFC), and his accomplices, including Jean Jacques Mamba, Willy Ngoma and Henri Maggie were declared fugitives.

They are accused of conspiring against the state for war crimes, participation in an insurrectional movement and treason.

Lawyers of the defendants have complained they are not being given enough time to mount a defense.

Yobeluo openly allied himself with several rebel movements including the M23, which is accused of crimes and conspiracy against the government in Kinshasa.

He is the current coordinator of the Alliance Fleuve Congo political-military movement that was launched in Kenya last December, days before the presidential election in the Congo.

If the defendants are found guilty, the court can sentence them to more than 25 years in prison or have the death penalty imposed.

The Congo reinstated the death penalty on March 15.