Capital crimes are: aggravated murder, aggravated robbery,...

Capital crimes are: aggravated murder, aggravated robbery, treason, political and military offenses and genocide. Following the conflict between the Zairean Armed Forces (FAZ) and the Alliance of the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of the Congo Zaire (AFDL), in May 1997 the AFDL deposed President Mobutu Sese Seko and formed a transitional government led by Laurent Kabila. The country then changed its name, from Zaire to the Democratic Republic of Congo. On 2 August 1998, a revolt erupted in the Democratic Republic of Congo. It was supported by Rwanda and Uganda which invaded the country to support Tutsi-led rebels who continued fighting in the east. Ugandan and Rwandan troops did not withdraw despite international calls for a cease-fire. In October, leaders of Southern African countries with forces in the Democratic Republic of Congo met in Harare for a summit on the conflict. The crime rate in the former Zaire had soared because firearms were circulating freely following Kabila's 7-month armed campaign that toppled the veteran president. Kabila set up tribunals in August 1997 to deal with escalating insecurity and indiscipline within the army. The tribunals operate on the basis that the country is still at war. They are mandated to try political leaders accused of breaking a temporary ban on political activity.