A garrison military court in Lubero territory, North Kivu province, on Wednesday sentenced 13 soldiers of the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) to death.
The court found them guilty of fleeing from the enemy, violation of instructions, desertion, dissipation of war munitions, and attempted rape.
The sentencing follows recent clashes between FARDC and the March 23 Movement (M23) rebels, which saw several military positions, including Mbingi, Alimbongo, Vutsumbiro, Matembe, and the Uhanga military camp, fall to the rebels.
During the fighting, soldiers were accused by residents of abandoning their posts before the arrival of M23 fighters. Allegations of looting and sexual harassment by FARDC personnel further marred the military\u2019s conduct.
Presiding judge Byamungu Munanira of the Butembo garrison military tribunal stated that the convicted soldiers had committed acts of murder, pillaging during a state of siege, and cowardice.
In addition to the death sentences, four soldiers received prison terms ranging from 1 to 10 years for crimes including dissipation of war munitions, violation of instructions, and theft. Six other soldiers were acquitted due to insufficient evidence, while the case against one soldier was sent back for further investigation.
Lieutenant Harris Kabundi Kabala, the public prosecutor, welcomed the ruling, calling it an educational measure to restore discipline within the army. “For more than three decades, the DRC has faced aggression from the M23 rebels. This trial serves as a reminder to soldiers to uphold discipline and honor their responsibilities on the battlefield,” he stated.
This is not the first instance of FARDC soldiers being penalized for abandoning their posts. In July 2024, 25 soldiers were sentenced to death after M23 rebels captured key areas including Kanyabayonga, Miriki, and Kayna. Similar cases were reported in February 2023 and October 2022, highlighting a recurring issue of desertion and misconduct within the army during conflict.
The ongoing conflict between the Congolese government and M23 rebels, led by Bertrand Bisimwa and Emmanuel Sultan Makenga, began in March 2022.
The insurgents, who now control significant parts of North Kivu province, have strengthened their position through an alliance with Corneille Nangaa Yobeluo, a former electoral commission leader.
The DRC government continues to accuse Rwanda of supporting the M23 rebels, a claim both Rwanda and the group deny. M23 asserts that its rebellion is driven by opposition to corruption, xenophobia, and discrimination within the Congolese leadership.
The conflict remains a significant challenge for the Congolese government, with repeated clashes displacing thousands and undermining stability in the region.
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