10.11.2026 11:20
In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, 66 soldiers who fled their positions during clashes with rebels were sentenced to death for cowardice, rebellion, and disobedience to orders. Since the beginning of 2025, 381 soldiers have been sentenced to death in the country.
Armed conflicts that have continued for years in the east of the Democratic Republic of the Congo have also brought severe sanctions within the army. In the Walikale area of North Kivu province, 66 of 71 soldiers brought before a military court were sentenced to death. Four soldiers were acquitted, while one soldier was sentenced to 10 years in prison.
SENTENCED TO DEATH FOR FLEEING THE FRONT
According to information in the local press, the soldiers were detained in Walikale on October 20. The soldiers, accused of abandoning their positions and fleeing during clashes with the coalition of the Front for the Reconstruction of the Nation (FRN), which includes M23, were tried for cowardice, rebellion, and disobedience to orders. Army command announced that the trial aimed to strengthen discipline in units fighting armed groups.
SECOND MASS DEATH SENTENCE IN ONE MONTH
Heavy sentences handed down on similar charges in the country are drawing attention. Last month, 27 soldiers were sentenced to death on the grounds that they withdrew from the front during clashes with rebels. According to data compiled by French broadcaster RFI, at least 507 soldiers have been convicted of various crimes since the beginning of 2025. Of these, 381 were sentenced to death.
20-YEAR DEATH PENALTY BAN HAD BEEN LIFTED
The government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo lifted a 20-year moratorium on the execution of death sentences in March 2024. The government announced that the decision was taken to purge traitors within the army; it also announced that the death penalty could be applied for joining armed groups, insurrection, treason, and war crimes. Despite harsh criticism from human rights organizations, the decision remains in force, and no official executions have been reported since the moratorium was lifted.
FORMER PRESIDENT ALSO SENTENCED TO DEATH
In October 2025, former President Joseph Kabila was also sentenced in absentia to death on various charges including war crimes and treason. Kabila, who rejected the charges, did not appear in court to defend himself. It was stated that Kabila was later named leader of the FRN coalition.
DISCIPLINE FROM THE ARMY, EQUIPMENT COMPLAINTS FROM SOLDIERS
The army of the Democratic Republic of the Congo has long been criticized for indiscipline and lack of organization. Soldiers complain of low salaries and inadequate military equipment. As clashes continue in the east of the country between government forces and armed groups including M23, the Kinshasa administration accuses neighboring Rwanda of supporting rebels. The Rwandan government and M23 reject these accusations.