66 Congolese soldiers face execution for disobeying orders

A military court in DR Congo has sentenced 66 soldiers to death for cowardice, mutiny and disobeying orders after allegedly fleeing clashes with rebel fighters in North Kivu province.

A military court in the Democratic Republic of Congo has sentenced 66 soldiers to death for cowardice, mutiny and disobeying military orders during operations against rebel fighters.

According to Peoples Gazette, the soldiers were among 71 personnel tried in Walikale, North Kivu province, following their arrest on October 20.

Four soldiers were acquitted, while another received a 10-year prison sentence.

The defendants allegedly abandoned their positions and fled during clashes with fighters from the Front for the Refoundation of the Nation (FRN), a rebel coalition including M23.

Military authorities said the trial was intended to strengthen discipline among troops fighting armed groups in eastern Congo.

The verdict followed similar death sentences imposed on 27 soldiers in October for alleged battlefield misconduct.

DR Congo lifted its 20-year moratorium on capital punishment in March 2024, drawing criticism from human rights organisations.

However, no official executions have been reported since the moratorium was lifted.