A military court in North Kivu has sentenced 13 Congolese soldiers to death for desertion, murder, and pillaging during a state of siege.
The convictions were announced on Tuesday, following a trial involving 23 soldiers accused of misconduct during clashes with M23 rebels.
The court also issued prison sentences ranging from two to 10 years to four other soldiers for offenses including misuse of military munitions, theft, and violating orders.
According to Col. Mak Hazukay, regional army spokesperson, the convicted soldiers fled their positions during intense fighting against M23 insurgents in Lubero territory last December. “The 13 soldiers sentenced to death were found guilty of murder, pillaging during the state of siege, and cowardice. Others faced penalties for dissipation of war munitions, violation of orders, and simple theft,” Hazukay told Anadolu.
The M23 rebellion, reportedly backed by external forces, has led to escalating violence in eastern Congo, forcing the Congolese armed forces to confront disciplinary challenges. Recent months have seen numerous soldiers face military tribunals for desertion, insubordination, and mismanagement of resources.
The resurgence of M23 rebels continues to destabilize North Kivu, placing additional strain on Congo’s military efforts to restore peace and order in the region.
