Congo Sentences 66 Soldiers to Death for Running Away During Attacks

By Micheal Chukwuebuka

At least 66 soldiers in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) have been sentenced to death for cowardice, mutiny and refusing to obey military orders.

The sentences followed the trial of 71 soldiers before a military court in Walikale, North Kivu province, in the eastern part of the country. Four soldiers were acquitted, while another received a 10-year prison sentence.

According to local media reports, the soldiers were arrested on October 20 after allegedly 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 Congolese army said the trial was aimed at strengthening discipline among troops battling armed groups in the country’s conflict-hit eastern region.

The development comes after another 27 soldiers were sentenced to death last month for similar offenses after reportedly withdrawing from the frontline during clashes with rebels.

DR Congo lifted its 20-year moratorium on the death penalty in March 2024, citing the need to address treason and other offences within the military. The government also extended capital punishment to individuals involved in armed groups, insurrection and war crimes.

However, 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 who received death sentences.