The trial in Walikale concluded with convictions for cowardice, mutiny, and disobeying orders after troops allegedly abandoned their positions during clashes with the FRN rebel coalition. Beyond the dozens condemned to capital punishment, the court acquitted four individuals and handed a 10-year prison sentence to another soldier. These strict penalties follow the national government's March 2024 decision to lift its 20-year moratorium on the death penalty specifically to combat military treason.
Key points
Congolese authorities are utilizing severe judicial penalties to address disorganization…: Congolese authorities are utilizing severe judicial penalties to address disorganization and enforce discipline within military ranks.
Although capital punishment was officially reinstated in March 2024, no formal executions…: Although capital punishment was officially reinstated in March 2024, no formal executions have been carried out yet.
Frontline soldiers continue to express grievances over insufficient pay and poor combat e…: Frontline soldiers continue to express grievances over insufficient pay and poor combat equipment while fighting armed groups.
Sources checked by our analysis pipeline: 1
- Published
At least 66 soldiers have been sentenced to death in the Democratic Republic of Congo for cowardice, mutiny and refusing to obey orders, local media report.
The sentences followed a trial of 71 soldiers before a military court in Walikale, in North Kivu province, in eastern DR Congo. Four soldiers were acquitted, while another was sentenced to 10 years in prison.
The army said the trial was intended to improve discipline among troops as they battle armed groups in eastern DR Congo.
The region has endured decades of conflict, with fighting continuing between government forces and the Front for the Refoundation of the Nation (FRN), a rebel coalition that includes the M23 group.
The soldiers were reportedly arrested on 20 October in Walikale, where they accused of abandoning their positions and fleeing during clashes with FRN fighters.
The Congolese army's campaign against armed groups, including M23, has long been undermined by poor discipline and disorganisation within its ranks.
The government has repeatedly accused neighbouring Rwanda of supporting the M23, an allegation denied by both Kigali and the rebels.
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