Twenty-five soldiers from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have been sentenced to death for deserting their positions during battles against the notorious M23 rebels in the conflict-ridden east of the country. The soldiers were also convicted of theft, having stolen goods from shops in a nearby village after abandoning their posts, an army spokesman revealed.
In addition to the soldiers’ convictions, four of their wives were acquitted by the military court of receiving goods looted by their husbands. The military tribunal in North Kivu province handed down the sentences on Wednesday. A lawyer representing the soldiers, two of whom were captains, has announced plans to appeal the decision. Alongside the death sentences, one soldier received a 10-year prison term while another was acquitted.
The DRC government had lifted a 20-year moratorium on the death penalty in March, with the justice minister citing the need to remove “traitors” from the army. Earlier, in May, a military court in Goma sentenced eight soldiers to death for “desertion” and “cowardice” in combat against rebel forces. These soldiers are also appealing their sentences.
The M23 rebels have recently captured several towns, including the strategically important Kanyabayonga. Neighboring Rwanda has been widely accused of supporting the M23, though the Kigali government denies these claims. The UN has described the situation in North Kivu as “particularly concerning,” noting that more than 150,000 civilians fled their homes in the past week, heightening an already dire humanitarian crisis with 2.8 million people displaced.
The UN has also highlighted the perilous conditions for humanitarian workers in North Kivu. On Sunday, two aid workers with the charity Tearfund were killed in an attack on their convoy in the town of Butembo.
The DRC army’s fight against M23 and other rebel groups has long been plagued by disarray, with issues such as poor pay and lack of equipment contributing to its reputation as unprofessional and badly disciplined. Despite support from UN and regional state troops, the violence continues unabated. M23 fighters are reported to be well-armed and disciplined.
The M23 rebel group began operations in 2012, claiming to protect the Tutsi population in eastern DRC, who have long faced persecution and discrimination. Despite Rwanda’s denials, UN experts, along with France and the US, assert that the M23 is supported by President Paul Kagame’s government.
Melissa Enoch
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