A military court in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has handed down death sentences to at least 66 soldiers, delivering a stark warning to troops battling entrenched insurgencies in the country’s turbulent east.
Local media report that the condemned men were found guilty of cowardice, mutiny, and disobeying orders during a sweeping tribunal in Walikale, a conflict-scarred territory in North Kivu province.
Reports said of the 71 military personnel who stood trial, only four walked free, while another was sentenced to 10 years behind bars, even as Army officials framed the mass convictions as an urgent bid to restore discipline across the ranks.
Government forces in the region have struggled for years to contain a web of armed groups that continue to erode state authority and destabilize eastern Congo.
It was also reported that the soldiers were arrested on October 20 in Walikale after allegedly abandoning their positions and fleeing during clashes with fighters from the Front for the Refoundation of the Nation (FRN), a rebel coalition that includes the M23 group.
The army’s operations against armed groups, particularly the M23, have repeatedly been affected by poor discipline and disorganisation within its ranks.
The government has consistently accused neighbouring Rwanda of backing the M23, an allegation denied by Kigali and the rebels, despite what has been described as overwhelming evidence.
The Congolese military has also faced criticism over its professionalism, while soldiers have complained about poor salaries and inadequate equipment.
Last month, another 27 soldiers were sentenced to death on similar charges of cowardice after reportedly withdrawing from frontline positions during clashes with rebels.
DR Congo reinstated the death penalty in March 2024 after lifting a moratorium that had been in place for 20 years. The government said the decision was necessary to eliminate “traitors” within the military.
This is the authorities also said capital punishment would apply to individuals involved in armed groups, insurrection, treason and war crimes.
The decision has ignited a firestorm of condemnation from human rights watchdogs worldwide. Still, the gallows remain unused as no formal executions have been carried out since the death penalty was reinstated.
However, the courts have been relentless. Figures compiled by French broadcaster RFI reveal that at least 507 soldiers have been convicted since the start of 2025, including a massive 381 sentenced to die.
Even the country’s former leader was not spared. In October 2025, ex-President Joseph Kabila received a death sentence in absentia on sweeping charges of war crimes and treason.
Kabila dismissed the allegations entirely, never once appearing in court to fight them. Today, having been named the leader of the FRN, his defiance leaves the nation balanced on a razor’s edge.
