DR Congo: 25 Soldiers Face Death Sentence for Fleeing M23 Battles

Summary:

• In DR Congo’s east, 25 soldiers face death for fleeing battles against M23 rebels, also convicted of theft. The region’s crisis worsens with escalating violence and humanitarian challenges.

---

Twenty-five soldiers from the Democratic Republic of Congo’s army have been sentenced to death by a military tribunal in North Kivu province. Their convictions stem from deserting battles against the notorious M23 rebels in the conflict-ridden east of the country. Additionally, the soldiers were found guilty of theft, having looted goods from local shops after abandoning their posts.

Among those sentenced were two captains, with their lawyer indicating plans to appeal the verdict handed down on Wednesday. This follows the lifting of a 20-year moratorium on the death penalty earlier this year, aimed at purging “traitors” from the army, according to the justice minister.

In a separate ruling, one soldier received a 10-year prison term, while another was acquitted. This verdict comes amidst ongoing unrest, with recent reports indicating M23 rebels capturing strategic towns like Kanyabayonga.

The situation in North Kivu has prompted over 150,000 civilians to flee their homes in the past week alone, exacerbating a humanitarian crisis affecting millions already displaced in the region. Humanitarian efforts are further complicated by the perilous conditions for aid workers, underscored by the recent deadly attack on charity workers in Butembo.

Despite international presence and support, including UN and regional troops, efforts to quell the violence have faltered. The M23 rebels, accused of receiving support from neighboring Rwanda (which denies involvement), continue to pose a formidable challenge to government forces, characterized by widespread reports of army disarray and discontent among soldiers over pay and equipment shortages.

The conflict, which began with the M23’s purported defense of the Tutsi population in 2012, remains a stark reminder of the enduring instability and humanitarian toll in the eastern DR Congo.