66 Soldiers Sentenced to Death in DR Congo for Abandoning Their Posts During Battle

(Congolese Soldiers. Photo by BBC NEws)
A millitary in the Democratic Republic of Congo DRC, sentenced 66 soldiers to death because they ran away from fighting against rebel groups.

The men were among 71 tried for cowardice, mutiny and refusing orders.

Four were acquitted, and another received 10 years in prison.

The soldiers were arrested on 20 October after allegedly abandoning their posts and fleeing during fighting with the Front for the Refoundation of the Nation (FRN), a rebel alliance that includes the M23.

The army said the trial was meant to restore discipline as it battles armed groups in the east.

Soldiers have long complained about low pay and poor equipment, and the army has been criticised for weak discipline.

Last month, another 27 soldiers were sentenced to death on similar charges.

DR Congo brought back the death penalty in March 2024 and says it applies to traitors, armed group members and war criminals.

Rights groups have condemned the move, but no executions have been carried out since the moratorium was lifted.

Since the start of 2025, at least 507 soldiers have been convicted, including 381 who received death sentences, according to figures compiled by RFI.