WALIKALE: A military court in the Democratic Republic of Congo has sentenced 66 soldiers to death for cowardice, military mutiny and refusing to obey orders during operations in the conflict-hit eastern region.
The verdict was delivered late on November 6 by the Goma Garrison Military Court, sitting in Walikale-centre in North Kivu province, after a 12-day trial involving 71 soldiers from the Congolese army’s 3415th Regiment, according to the Congolese News Agency and local reports.
The soldiers had been arrested on October 20 in Ngora village over incidents in Ntonto, in Walikale territory. Military authorities accused them of offences including abandoning their positions and disobeying orders amid the fighting in the region.
A sergeant was sentenced to 10 years in prison after being granted substantial mitigating circumstances. Four other soldiers were acquitted, including a captain who served as head of intelligence in the regiment.
The military said the proceedings were part of efforts to strengthen discipline within its ranks as government forces face sustained pressure from armed groups in eastern Congo.
The verdict comes amid continuing conflict in North Kivu, where the Congolese army is engaged in fighting against rebel groups, including the M23-led coalition. In a separate case last month, 27 soldiers were also sentenced to death on similar charges after allegedly retreating from frontline positions.
The Congolese government lifted a 20-year moratorium on the death penalty in March 2024, citing the need to tackle offences including treason and espionage. The decision drew criticism from human rights organisations.
(With inputs from media reports)