A military court in Walikale, in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, sentenced 66 soldiers to death for cowardice, mutiny and disobeying orders, according to reports. The verdict was delivered on November 6, and four other soldiers were acquitted while one received a 10-year prison sentence.
The soldiers had been arrested on October 20. They were accused of abandoning their positions and fleeing during clashes with armed fighters, according to the BBC. The proceedings took place in Walikale, North Kivu province.
The Congolese army said the trial was intended to strengthen discipline among troops fighting armed groups in the east. State news agency ACP also reported the 66 death sentences, citing a statement from the 34th Military Region.
Death penalty restored in 2024
The verdicts come as government forces continue to face armed groups in eastern DR Congo, a region affected by decades of conflict. The army has faced criticism over discipline and organization, while soldiers have complained about low pay and inadequate equipment.
DR Congo lifted a 20-year moratorium on the death penalty in March 2024. The government said capital punishment would apply to cases including treason, war crimes and involvement in armed groups. Rights groups criticized the decision. No formal executions have been carried out since the moratorium was lifted, according to the BBC report.
The 66 sentences are death sentences, not reports of executions. The reports do not indicate that the sentences have been carried out.
Reid Bentley