A military court in North Kivu, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), sentenced 25 soldiers to death on Wednesday for fleeing battles against the M23 rebel group. The soldiers were found guilty of various charges, including theft, fleeing the enemy, and violating orders. The one-day trial came as a surprise to many, given the severity of the sentences and the brief nature of the proceedings.
The soldiers were arrested on Tuesday, along with four civilian wives, accused of receiving stolen goods from a nearby village. The group was brought before the Butembo garrison military court the following day, where they faced charges ranging from robbery to treason. While one soldier received a 10-year prison sentence for robbery, the four wives and another soldier were acquitted. Notably, all but one of the 25 soldiers denied the charges, and their lawyer has vowed to appeal the verdict.
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The sentences come at a time when the DRC’s army is struggling to contain the M23 insurgency, which has been active in the region for over two years. The army has faced criticism for its inadequate equipment and low morale, leading to a dysfunctional military response to the crisis. The situation has displaced approximately 2.8 million people in North Kivu province, according to the United Nations.
The M23 rebels have made significant gains in recent weeks, seizing large areas of territory in the mineral-rich province. Their capture of strategic towns, including Kanyabayonga, has raised concerns about the security of major commercial centers like Butembo and Beni. The ongoing conflict has sparked international concern, with the United Nations and other organizations calling for a peaceful resolution.
The death sentences handed down to the 25 soldiers mark a stark shift in the DRC’s approach to justice. In March, the country lifted a moratorium on the death penalty, citing treachery and espionage in recurring armed conflicts as justification. The move has raised human rights concerns, with critics arguing that the death penalty is an inhumane and ineffective deterrent.
