Mutiny, Cowardice: DR Congo Military Court Sentences 66 Soldiers to Death
A military court in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) has sentenced 66 soldiers to death for offences including cowardice, mutiny and disobeying orders, following a trial in the country’s conflict-ravaged eastern region.
The soldiers were among 71 military personnel tried before a military court in Walikale, North Kivu Province. Four were acquitted, while another was sentenced to 10 years in prison, according to local media reports.
The Congolese army said the trial was intended to reinforce discipline within its ranks as government forces continue to battle armed groups in the eastern part of the country, where years of conflict have weakened state authority.
The soldiers were reportedly arrested on October 20 in Walikale after allegedly abandoning their positions and fleeing during clashes with fighters from the Front for the Refoundation of the Nation (FRN), a rebel coalition that includes the M23 group.
Military operations against armed groups, particularly M23 rebels, have repeatedly been undermined by allegations of indiscipline, poor coordination and disorganisation within the Congolese army.
The DR Congo government has consistently accused neighbouring Rwanda of supporting the M23 rebels, an allegation Kigali and the rebel group have repeatedly denied, despite mounting reports of alleged Rwandan involvement.
The Congolese military has also faced criticism over its operational effectiveness and professionalism, while some soldiers have raised concerns about poor remuneration and inadequate military equipment.
Last month, another 27 soldiers were reportedly sentenced to death for similar offences after allegedly abandoning frontline positions during clashes with rebel forces.
DR Congo reinstated the death penalty in March 2024, ending a moratorium that had lasted for two decades. The government defended the decision as necessary to eliminate what it described as traitors within the military.
Authorities also indicated that capital punishment would apply to individuals involved in armed groups, insurrection, treason and war crimes.
The decision has attracted widespread criticism from human rights organisations, although no formal executions have been carried out since the reinstatement of the death penalty.
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 allegations including war crimes and treason. Kabila denied the accusations but did not appear in court to defend himself.
He has subsequently been identified as the leader of the FRN rebel coalition.