At least 66 soldiers have been sentenced to death in the Democratic Republic of Congo for cowardice, mutiny and refusing to obey orders, following a trial before a military court in Walikale, North Kivu province. The army said the trial was intended to improve discipline among troops as they battle armed groups in the country's east.
The military court tried 71 soldiers in total. Four were acquitted and one was sentenced to ten years in prison. The soldiers were reportedly arrested on 20 October in Walikale, where they were accused of 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 eastern region of DR Congo has endured decades of conflict, with fighting continuing between government forces and the FRN. The army's campaign has long been undermined by poor discipline and disorganisation within its ranks, while soldiers have complained of poor pay and inadequate equipment.
Last month, another 27 soldiers were sentenced to death on similar charges of cowardice after reportedly withdrawing from the frontline during clashes with rebels. In March 2024, the government lifted a 20-year moratorium on the death penalty, citing the need to remove 'traitors' within the army. The government said capital punishment would also apply to people involved in armed groups or insurrection, as well as those committing treason and war crimes. The decision was widely criticised by rights groups, though no formal executions have been carried out since the moratorium was lifted.
According to figures compiled by French broadcaster RFI, at least 507 soldiers have been convicted since the beginning of 2025, including 381 death sentences. In October 2025, former Congolese President Joseph Kabila was sentenced to death in absentia on charges including war crimes and treason. He denied the accusations and did not appear in court. He has since been named as the FRN's leader.
Analysis
Why This Matters
- The mass sentencing reflects the military's struggle to maintain order amid a protracted rebellion in eastern DR Congo.
- It signals the government's willingness to use capital punishment as a tool for military discipline, a move criticized by rights groups.
- The death sentences may escalate tensions, particularly with the FRN rebel coalition and its alleged backer Rwanda.
Background
DR Congo has experienced decades of conflict in its eastern provinces, driven by numerous armed groups, including the M23. In 2024, the government lifted a 20-year moratorium on the death penalty, citing the need to eliminate traitors. Since then, hundreds of soldiers have been convicted, though no executions have been confirmed. Former President Joseph Kabila, sentenced to death in absentia in 2025, has since emerged as leader of the FRN rebel coalition.
Key Perspectives
Congolese army: said the trial was intended to improve discipline among troops as they battle armed groups.
DR Congo government: cited the need to remove 'traitors' within the army when lifting the death penalty moratorium; also stated capital punishment would apply to those involved in armed groups, insurrection, treason, and war crimes.
Human rights groups: criticized the decision to reinstate the death penalty.
Joseph Kabila (former president): denied accusations of war crimes and treason after being sentenced to death in absentia; he did not appear in court.
What to Watch
- Whether any of the death sentences are actually carried out after the moratorium was lifted.
- The impact of these sentences on morale and desertion rates in the Congolese army.
- Any international reaction, particularly from Rwanda, which is accused of backing the M23.
Checked
10 claims in this story checked against 1 source: 9 supported.
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- Partly supportedAt least 66 soldiers were sentenced to death for cowardice, mutiny and refusing to obey orders.BBC News: “At least 66 soldiers have been sentenced to death in the Democratic Republic of Congo for cowardice, mutiny and refusing to obey orders, local media report.”
- SupportedThe army said the trial was intended to improve discipline among troops.BBC News: “The army said the trial was intended to improve discipline among troops as they battle armed groups in eastern DR Congo.”
- SupportedThe soldiers were accused of abandoning their positions and fleeing during clashes with FRN fighters.BBC News: “The soldiers were reportedly arrested on 20 October in Walikale, where they were accused of abandoning their positions and fleeing during clashes with FRN fighters.”
- SupportedThe military court tried 71 soldiers; four were acquitted and one received a 10-year prison sentence.BBC News: “The sentences followed a trial of 71 soldiers before a military court in Walikale, in North Kivu province, in eastern DR Congo. Four soldiers were acquitted, while another was sentenced to 10 years in prison.”
- SupportedThe soldiers were reportedly arrested on 20 October in Walikale.BBC News: “The soldiers were reportedly arrested on 20 October in Walikale, where they were accused of abandoning their positions and fleeing during clashes with FRN fighters.”
- SupportedLast month, another 27 soldiers were sentenced to death on similar cowardice charges after reportedly withdrawing from the frontline during clashes with rebels.BBC News: “Last month, another 27 soldiers were sentenced to death on similar charges of cowardice after reportedly withdrawing from the frontline during clashes with rebels.”
- SupportedIn March 2024, DR Congo lifted a 20-year moratorium on the death penalty, citing the need to remove “traitors” within the army.BBC News: “In March 2024, DR Congo lifted a 20-year moratorium on the death penalty, citing the need to remove "traitors" within the army.”
- SupportedAt least 507 soldiers have been convicted since the beginning of 2025, including 381 death sentences, according to figures compiled by RFI.BBC News: “Since the beginning of 2025, at least 507 soldiers have been convicted, including 381 death sentences, according to figures compiled by French broadcaster RFI.”
- SupportedIn October 2025, former president Joseph Kabila was sentenced to death in absentia on charges including war crimes and treason.BBC News: “In October 2025, former Congolese President Joseph Kabila was sentenced to death in absentia on charges including war crimes and treason.”
- SupportedKabila denied the accusations, did not appear in court and has since been named as the FRN's leader.BBC News: “He denied the accusations, but did not appear in court to defend himself. He has since been named as the FRN's leader.”