A military tribunal in the Democratic Republic of Congo, DRC, has sentenced 13 soldiers to death for various charges including murder, looting, and cowardice.
The verdict was delivered on Tuesday in Lubero, North Kivu, a region severely impacted by militia violence and the ongoing insurgency of the M23 rebel group.
The trial, part of a larger crackdown by Congolese military authorities, aims to address indiscipline within the army, which has faced criticism for territorial losses to enemy forces.
Mak Hazukay, an army spokesperson, pointed out the detrimental impact of soldiers abandoning their posts.
“Fighting has flared in Lubero territory, and cases of soldiers abandoning their positions have helped the enemy advance.
“Some of the soldiers who are supposed to be fighting the enemy at the front have shown a kind of indiscipline. We had to organise this educational trial to set things right,” Hazukay stated.
The tribunal tried 24 soldiers in total. Thirteen were sentenced to death, while four received prison terms ranging from two to 10 years. Six soldiers were acquitted, and one case was deferred for further investigation.
Military prosecutor Kabala Kabundi stated the importance of the trial.
“The trials aimed to help restore trust between the military and the population,” Kabundi said.
All convicted soldiers pleaded not guilty and have five days to appeal their sentences. A defence lawyer for one of the soldiers confirmed plans to challenge the rulings.
The trial took place against the backdrop of the Congolese army’s struggle against the M23 rebel group, which has captured significant territory in North Kivu.
The DRC accuses neighbouring Rwanda of supporting the M23 rebels, an allegation Kigali denies.
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