No fewer than 66 soldiers in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have been sentenced to death for cowardice, mutiny, and disobeying orders following a military trial in the country’s conflict-affected eastern region.
These soldiers were among 71 military personnel who were tried before a military court in Walikale, in North Kivu province. Four were acquitted, and one other received a 10-year prison sentence.
The Congolese army stated that the trial was intended to reinforce discipline among troops fighting armed groups in the east, where years of insecurity have continued to weaken government control.
Reports indicate that the soldiers were 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.
The army’s operations against armed groups, especially the M23, have repeatedly been undermined by poor discipline and disorganization within its ranks.
The government has consistently accused neighboring Rwanda of supporting the M23, an allegation that Kigali and the rebels deny, despite what has been described as overwhelming evidence.
The Congolese military has also drawn criticism over its professionalism, while soldiers have complained about low salaries and inadequate equipment.
Last month, another 27 soldiers were sentenced to death on similar cowardice charges after reportedly pulling back from frontline positions during clashes with rebels.
DR Congo reinstated the death penalty in March 2024, after lifting a moratorium that had been in force for 20 years. The government said the decision was needed to remove “traitors” from within the military.
Authorities also said capital punishment would apply to those involved in armed groups, insurrection, treason, and war crimes.
The move drew widespread criticism from human rights organizations. However, no formal executions have taken place since the death penalty was reinstated.
According to figures compiled by French broadcaster RFI, at least 507 soldiers have been convicted since the start of 2025, including 381 death sentences.
In October 2025, former Congolese President Joseph Kabila was sentenced to death in absentia on charges that included war crimes and treason. Kabila denied the allegations but did not appear in court to defend himself.
