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At least 66 soldiers have been sentenced to death in the Democratic Republic of Congo for cowardice, mutiny and refusal to obey orders, local media report.
The convictions follow the trial of 71 soldiers before a military court in Walikale, in North Kivu province, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. Four soldiers were acquitted, while another was sentenced to 10 years in prison.
The army said the trial was aimed at improving discipline among troops engaged in the fight against armed groups in eastern DRC.
The region has endured decades of conflict, with fighting continuing between government forces and the Front for the Refoundation of the Nation (FRN), a rebel coalition that includes the M23 group.
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The soldiers were reportedly arrested on October 20 in Walikale, where they were accused of abandoning their positions and fleeing during clashes with FRN fighters.
The Congolese army's campaign against armed groups, notably the M23, has long been compromised by a lack of discipline and disorganization within its ranks.
The government has repeatedly accused neighboring Rwanda of supporting the M23, an allegation denied by both Kigali and the rebels despite overwhelming evidence.
The army has faced persistent criticism over its lack of professionalism and discipline, while soldiers have complained of insufficient pay and inadequate equipment.
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Last month, 27 other soldiers were sentenced to death on similar charges of cowardice, after apparently withdrawing from the front line during clashes with rebels.
In March 2024, the Democratic Republic of Congo lifted a 20-year moratorium on the death penalty, citing the need to eliminate "traitors" within the military.
The government said the death penalty would also apply to those involved in armed groups, insurgencies, as well as those who commit acts of treason and war crimes.
The decision to reinstate the death penalty was widely criticized by human rights organizations. However, no executions have taken place since the moratorium was lifted.
Since the start of 2025, at least 507 soldiers have been sentenced, including 381 to death, according to figures compiled by the French television channel RFI.
In October 2025, former Congolese President Joseph Kabila was sentenced to death in absentia on charges including war crimes and treason. He denied the accusations, but did not appear in court to defend himself. He has since been designated as the leader of the FRN.
We used AI to help translate this article, originally written in English. A BBC journalist checked the translation before publication. Learn more about how we use AI.
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