DR Congo military court sentences 66 soldiers to death for deserting the front
The troops were convicted of desertion, mutiny and disobeying orders during fighting with rebels in North Kivu.
A military court in the Democratic Republic of Congo has sentenced 66 soldiers to death for desertion, mutiny and disobeying orders during fighting with rebels in the east of the country, according to local media.
The court, sitting in Walikale, North Kivu province, tried 71 soldiers. Four were acquitted and one was sentenced to ten years' imprisonment. The troops are alleged to have abandoned their positions during clashes with rebel fighters on 20 October.
Military authorities say the prosecutions are intended to restore discipline within the armed forces. The verdicts come only weeks after 27 other soldiers were sentenced to death for allegedly retreating from the front line.
The Congolese army has long faced criticism over poor organisation, inadequate equipment and low pay, while the east of the country has endured years of violence involving government forces and armed groups, including the Rwanda-backed M23.
The Democratic Republic of Congo reinstated capital punishment in March 2024, ending a moratorium of more than two decades. The government argued that tougher penalties were required to address treason and serious offences within the military. Human rights organisations condemned the decision. No executions have been officially reported since the moratorium was lifted.