A military court in Walikale, North Kivu province, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, has sentenced 66 soldiers to death for cowardice, mutiny, and refusing to obey orders. The trial of 71 soldiers resulted in four acquittals and one soldier receiving a 10-year prison sentence. The Congolese army initiated the trial to improve discipline among troops battling armed groups in the region.
The soldiers were arrested on October 20 in Walikale, accused of abandoning their positions and fleeing during clashes with Front for the Refoundation of the Nation (FRN) fighters. The FRN is a rebel coalition that includes the M23 group. The incident highlights the Congolese army's ongoing struggle with poor discipline and disorganization, which has undermined its campaign against armed groups.
The region has experienced decades of conflict, with fighting persisting between government forces and FRN rebels. The government has accused neighboring Rwanda of supporting the M23, an allegation denied by both Kigali and the rebels. The Congolese army has faced criticism for its lack of professionalism and discipline, while soldiers have complained about poor pay and inadequate equipment.
This is not an isolated incident, as 27 soldiers were sentenced to death in a similar case last month for withdrawing from the frontline during clashes with rebels. Since the beginning of 2025, at least 507 soldiers have been convicted, including 381 death sentences, according to French broadcaster RFI. The Congolese government has been working to improve discipline within the army.
In March 2024, DR Congo lifted a 20-year moratorium on the death penalty, citing the need to remove "traitors" within the army. The government stated that capital punishment would also apply to people involved in armed groups, insurrection, as well as committing treason and war crimes. However, no formal executions have been carried out since the moratorium was lifted.
The decision to reinstate the death penalty was widely criticized by rights groups. Former Congolese President Joseph Kabila was sentenced to death in absentia in October 2025 on charges including war crimes and treason. He denied the accusations but did not appear in court to defend himself. Kabila has since been named as the FRN's leader.
The Congolese army's efforts to improve discipline and battle armed groups in eastern DR Congo continue. The government faces ongoing challenges in establishing stability in the region, with the conflict showing no signs of abating.
Key points
- 66 Congolese soldiers sentenced to death for cowardice and mutiny
- DR Congo lifted 20-year moratorium on death penalty in March 2024
- Over 500 soldiers convicted, including 381 death sentences, since beginning of 2025
