World · Africa · 1 hr ago
DR Congo military court sentences 66 soldiers to death
A military court in eastern DR Congo sentenced 66 soldiers to death after trying 71 troops in Walikale, North Kivu province.
The soldiers were accused of cowardice, mutiny and refusing orders.
Four were acquitted, and one received a 10-year prison sentence.
The army said the trial was meant to improve discipline as government forces fight armed groups, including the M23, in a region marked by decades of conflict.
Poor discipline and disorganisation have weakened the army's campaign, while soldiers have also complained of low pay and inadequate equipment.
In March 2024, the government lifted a 20-year pause on executions, but no formal executions have taken place since.
The sources give no next court date or other immediate steps in this case.
A military court in Walikale, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, sentenced 66 soldiers to death.
The 71 soldiers stood trial on charges including cowardice, mutiny and refusing to obey orders.
Four soldiers were acquitted, and one was sentenced to 10 years in prison.
The army said the trial was intended to improve discipline as troops battle armed groups in the east.
The soldiers were accused of abandoning their positions and fleeing during clashes with Front for the Refoundation of the Nation fighters.
- Who
- 71 soldiers stood trial; 66 were sentenced to death.
- What
- A military court issued death sentences for charges including cowardice, mutiny and refusing to obey orders.
- When
- The sentences were reported on 10 November 2026. The trial date was not stated.
- Where
- Walikale, North Kivu province, in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
- Why
- The soldiers were accused of abandoning their positions and fleeing during clashes with rebel fighters. The army said the trial aimed to improve discipline.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
DR Congo lifted a 20-year moratorium on the death penalty.
The soldiers were reportedly arrested in Walikale.
Another 27 soldiers were sentenced to death on similar charges.
The sentences for the 71 soldiers tried in Walikale were reported.
- Death sentences
- 66 soldiers
- Soldiers tried
- 71
- Acquittals
- 4 soldiers
- Prison sentence
- 10 years
- Court location
- Walikale, North Kivu province, eastern DR Congo
- Arrests
- 20 October
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traitors