OMM Newsroom
At least 66 soldiers in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) have been sentenced to death for cowardice, mutiny and refusing to obey orders, according to BBC World.
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 and one was sentenced to 10 years in prison.
The army said the trial was intended to improve discipline among troops fighting armed groups in the east. The region has endured decades of conflict, with fighting continuing between government forces and the Refoundation of the Nation (FRN), a rebel coalition that includes the M23 group.
The soldiers were reportedly arrested on 20 October in Walikale. They were accused of abandoning their positions and fleeing during clashes with FRN fighters.
Discipline and fighting in eastern DR Congo
The army’s campaign against armed groups, including M23, has long been undermined by poor discipline and disorganisation within its ranks. Soldiers have complained about poor pay and inadequate equipment, while the army has faced persistent criticism over its lack of professionalism and discipline.
The government has repeatedly accused neighbouring Rwanda of supporting M23. Kigali and the rebels have denied the allegation.
Last month, another 27 soldiers were sentenced to death on similar charges of cowardice after reportedly withdrawing from the frontline during clashes with rebels.
Death penalty reinstated in 2024
In March 2024, DR Congo lifted a 20-year moratorium on the death penalty, citing the need to remove “traitors” within the army. The government said capital punishment would also apply to people involved in armed groups and insurrection, as well as those committing treason and war crimes.
Rights groups widely criticised the decision to reinstate the death penalty. No formal executions have been carried out since the moratorium was lifted.
Since the beginning of 2025, at least 507 soldiers have been convicted, including 381 who received death sentences, according to figures compiled by French broadcaster RFI.
In October 2025, former Congolese President Joseph Kabila was sentenced to death in absentia on charges including war crimes and treason. He has denied the accusations but did not appear in court to defend himself.
