OMM Redaksiyası
A military court in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo has sentenced 27 soldiers to death for “cowardice” after they withdrew from the front line during fighting with AFC/M23 rebels, according to a court document.
The trial of at least 112 members of the 21st Simba Battalion began on Sept. 15 at a military court in Uvira, South Kivu province. The soldiers were accused of disobeying orders and fleeing battles against the rebels in eastern Congo in August.
Sentences handed down to other soldiers
On Friday, 54 soldiers were sentenced to five years in prison after being found guilty of violating instructions. Another 10 received six-month terms.
At least 21 soldiers, including five women, were acquitted because of insufficient evidence. Prosecutors said the troops had been deployed to secure strategic areas overlooking Uvira.
Clashes continue in eastern Congo
The trial took place amid continued clashes between AFC/M23 and government forces in Uvira territory, local sources said. The two sides have accused each other of violating a ceasefire.
In May, a military court in Congo sentenced 58 soldiers to three years in prison for violating instructions after they withdrew from the front line during clashes with AFC/M23.
The M23 rebels control significant territory in eastern Congo, including the provincial capitals of Goma and Bukavu, which they seized in early 2025. Congo, the United Nations and Western nations accuse neighboring Rwanda of supporting the group; Kigali denies the allegation.
