In the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo, at least 13 soldiers from the Congolese army engaged on the front lines against the M23 rebels were sentenced to death on Tuesday December 31. They were found guilty by the Butembo military court of several charges including fleeing from the enemy while the advance of the M23 rebels supported by Rwanda continues in the south of Lubero territory.
1 minute
With our correspondent in Goma, Heir Baraka
The twenty-three FARDC soldiers appeared before military justice during hearings in Lubero Centre, more than 200 km north of Goma. These soldiers were accused of cowardice, hiding munitions of war, attempted rape, theft, loss of weapon, violation of orders and murder of civilians.
The sentence fell after two days of hearings. Among the accused, thirteen received the death penalty, according to army spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Mak Hazukay Mongba. The government reinstated the death penalty in April 2024. Four were sentenced to prison terms ranging from 2 to 10 years. Six were released.
Also readDRC: intense fighting in Lubero territory between the army and the M23
The soldiers found guilty must pay a fine of $150,000, but since they are soldiers, it is the State which will have to compensate the civil parties. A decision which delights Maître Kasay Jacques, lawyer for the collective of civil parties.
Once again, the Congolese army describes this trial as exemplary teaching. Last July, around fifty soldiers had been sentenced to death by the same court for fleeing from the enemy while fighting intensified between the FARDC and the M23.