Execution of 66 soldiers in the Democratic Republic of the Congo on charges of "cowardice before the enemy"

Local media reported that a military court in the Democratic Republic of the Congo issued death sentences against 66 soldiers, on charges related to “cowardice, rebellion, and refusal to carry out orders.”

These rulings came at the conclusion of a trial that included 71 soldiers before a military court in Walikale, North Kivu Province, east of the country. Four soldiers were acquitted, while another soldier was sentenced to 10 years in prison.

The army stated that the trial aims to strengthen discipline in the ranks of the armed forces, at a time when they are waging battles against armed groups in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo.

The region has witnessed an ongoing conflict for decades, with confrontations taking place between government forces and the Front for the Reconstruction of the Nation, a rebel alliance that includes the M23 movement in its ranks.

According to reports, the soldiers were arrested on 20 October in Walikale, where they were charged with abandoning their positions and fleeing during clashes with FNRF fighters.

The Congolese army's campaign against armed groups - led by the M23 movement - has long suffered from weak discipline and a lack of organization within its ranks.

The government has repeatedly accused neighboring Rwanda of supporting the M23 movement, an accusation that both Kigali and the rebels deny, despite overwhelming evidence.

The army also faced constant criticism for its lack of professionalism and discipline, while soldiers complained of low salaries and lack of necessary equipment.

Last month, 27 soldiers were sentenced to death on similar charges of cowardice, after they reportedly withdrew from the front lines during clashes with rebels.

In March 2024, the Democratic Republic of the Congo lifted a 20-year moratorium on the death penalty, citing the need to get rid of “traitors” within the army.

The government explained that the death penalty would also be applied to individuals involved in armed groups, acts of rebellion, or committing treason and war crimes.

The decision to reintroduce the death penalty was met with widespread criticism by human rights organizations. However, no official death sentences have been carried out since the moratorium was lifted.

Since the beginning of 2025, at least 507 soldiers have been convicted, including 381 sentenced to death, according to figures compiled by the French Broadcasting Corporation.

In October 2025, the former President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Joseph Kabila, was sentenced to death in absentia on charges that included war crimes and treason.