DR Congo Sentences 66 Soldiers to Death for Cowardice, Mutiny

At least 66 soldiers have been sentenced to death by a military court in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) over allegations of cowardice, mutiny and disobedience to military orders.

The sentences were handed down following the trial of 71 soldiers in Walikale, North Kivu province, in the country’s conflict-hit eastern region, according to local media reports.

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

According to BBC, the Congolese army said the trial was aimed at strengthening discipline within its ranks as government forces continue military operations against armed groups in the east.

The soldiers were reportedly arrested on October 20 in Walikale for allegedly abandoning their positions and fleeing during clashes with fighters of the Front for the Refoundation of the Nation (FRN), a rebel coalition that includes the M23 group.

The latest convictions come amid persistent challenges facing the Congolese military in its campaign against armed groups, particularly M23, with poor discipline and disorganisation within the army repeatedly undermining its operations.

The government has accused neighbouring Rwanda of backing the M23 rebels, an allegation denied by Kigali and the armed group.

The Congolese military has also faced criticism over its professionalism and internal discipline, while troops have complained about poor remuneration and inadequate equipment.

Last month, another 27 soldiers were sentenced to death for similar offences after reportedly withdrawing from the frontline during clashes with rebel forces.

DR Congo reinstated the death penalty in March 2024 after lifting a two-decade moratorium on capital punishment.

The government said the decision was necessary to deal with “traitors” within the military, adding that the punishment would also apply to individuals involved in armed groups, insurrection, treason and war crimes.

The move attracted criticism from human rights organisations, although no executions have been formally carried out since the moratorium was lifted.

Figures compiled by French broadcaster RFI indicate that at least 507 soldiers have been convicted since the beginning of 2025, including 381 who received death sentences.

In another high-profile case, former Congolese President Joseph Kabila was sentenced to death in absentia in October 2025 over charges including war crimes and treason.

Kabila denied the allegations but did not appear in court to defend himself. He has since been identified as the leader of the FRN rebel coalition.