From BBC News · · 1m 30s
Congo executes 66 soldiers for cowardice in rebel war
A military court in eastern DR Congo has sentenced at least 66 soldiers to death for abandoning their posts during fighting with armed rebels.
In brief
A military court in eastern DR Congo has sentenced at least 66 soldiers to death for abandoning their posts during fighting with armed rebels. DR Congo's military court sentenced at least 66 soldiers to death for cowardice and mutiny, part of a broader crackdown on discipline as the army battles rebels in the east…
Sixty-six soldiers sentenced to death
A military court in Walikale, North Kivu province, has sentenced at least 66 soldiers to death for cowardice, mutiny and refusing to obey orders. Four soldiers were acquitted and one received ten years in prison.
Soldiers accused of fleeing combat
The 71 soldiers were reportedly arrested on October 20th in Walikale after abandoning their positions and fleeing during clashes with the Front for the Refoundation of the Nation, a rebel coalition including the M23 group.
Army cites discipline as reason
The Congolese army said the trial was intended to improve discipline among troops as they battle armed groups in eastern DR Congo. The region has endured decades of conflict between government forces and rebels.
Part of wider crackdown on soldiers
Last month, another 27 soldiers were sentenced to death on similar charges of cowardice. Since the beginning of 2025, at least 507 soldiers have been convicted, including 381 death sentences, according to figures compiled by…
Death penalty reinstated after two decades
In March 2024, DR Congo lifted a 20-year moratorium on the death penalty, citing the need to remove traitors within the army.
What matters most
DR Congo's military court sentenced at least 66 soldiers to death for cowardice and mutiny, part of a broader crackdown on discipline as the army battles rebels in the east.
