A military tribunal in the Democratic Republic of Congo has sentenced 13 soldiers to death for charges ranging from murder to cowardice, in a verdict authorities say will reinforce army discipline following territorial losses to insurgent groups. The trial concluded on Tuesday in Lubero, located in the volatile North Kivu province, where Congolese troops have long battled the Rwanda-backed M23 rebellion and other armed factions.
According to local army spokesperson Mak Hazukay, soldiers abandoning their posts have allowed enemy forces to advance, making it necessary to hold an “educational trial” as a deterrent against further misconduct. Overall, 24 soldiers faced prosecution: 13 received death penalties, four received prison terms between two and ten years, six were acquitted, and one case was postponed for further inquiries.
Military prosecutor Kabala Kabundi stated that the process was designed to rebuild trust between local communities and the army, which has struggled to contain insurgencies. All defendants maintained their innocence; they have five days to file appeals, and legal representatives for at least one convicted soldier confirmed that they will do so.
Eastern Congo has been mired in conflict for nearly three decades, with dozens of armed groups vying for control over territory and resources. The government’s efforts to modernize and professionalize its military have faced obstacles including corruption, poor infrastructure, and limited training. Army officials hope that high-profile trials like this will discourage desertion, looting, and other indiscipline, but critics warn that systemic reforms are still required.