13 Congolese soldiers sentenced to death for murder, looting

A military tribunal in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo has sentenced 13 soldiers to death on charges of murder, looting, and cowardice.

According to Reuters, the sentencing took place on Tuesday in Lubero, North Kivu, an area heavily impacted by militia violence and the M23 insurgency.

The trial is part of a broader effort by Congolese military authorities to address alleged indiscipline within the army, which has faced criticism over territorial losses to enemy forces.

Mak Hazukay, army spokesperson, said soldiers abandoning their posts have allowed enemy fighters to make significant advances.

“Fighting has flared in Lubero territory, and cases of soldiers abandoning their positions have helped the enemy advance,” he said.

“Some of the soldiers who are supposed to be fighting the enemy at the front have shown a kind of indiscipline.

“We had to organise this educational trial to set things right.”

Of the 24 soldiers who faced trial, 13 received death sentences, four were handed prison terms ranging from two to ten years, six were acquitted, and one case was deferred for further investigation.

Kabala Kabundi, military prosecutor, said the trials aimed “to help restore trust between the military and the population”.

All those convicted pleaded not guilty and have five days to appeal their sentences.

A defence lawyer representing one of the soldiers confirmed plans to challenge the verdicts in court.

The trial comes as the Congolese army continues to struggle against the M23 rebel group, which is widely believed to be backed by neighbouring Rwanda—a claim Kigali denies.