A military tribunal in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has sentenced 13 soldiers to death on charges of murder, looting, and cowardice.
The verdict, delivered on Tuesday in Lubero, North Kivu province, is part of an effort to reinforce military discipline following recent territorial losses caused by soldiers abandoning their posts.
The eastern region has been gripped by conflict for nearly three years, with Congolese forces battling the Rwanda-backed M23 insurgency and other militia groups.
According to local army spokesperson Mak Hazukay, incidents of soldiers fleeing combat zones have enabled enemy forces to gain ground.
“Some of the soldiers who are supposed to be fighting the enemy at the front have shown a kind of indiscipline,” Hazukay stated. “We had to organise this educational trial to set things right.”
Out of 24 soldiers tried, four received prison sentences ranging from two to ten years, six were acquitted, and one case was deferred for further investigation.
Military prosecutor Kabala Kabundi emphasized that the proceedings aimed “to help restore trust between the military and the population.”
Despite pleading not guilty, the convicted soldiers have five days to appeal their sentences. A defense lawyer confirmed that appeals would be filed.
