DR Congo soldiers sentenced to death for fleeing M23 rebels
- Twenty-five soldiers accused of deserting while fighting M23 rebels in DR Congo sentenced to death.
- Military court in Butembo handed down the severe punishment amid ongoing conflict in the east.
- The soldiers faced consequences for abandoning their posts in the battle against the rebel group.
In a one-day trial, twenty-five soldiers in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) were sentenced to death for allegedly fleeing fighting against M23 rebels. The soldiers faced charges including "fleeing the enemy", dissipating munitions of war, violating orders, and theft. The trial took place in the Butembo garrison military court in North Kivu province, with a total of 31 defendants, including 27 soldiers and four civilian wives. Two captains were among those sentenced to death, while the four women were acquitted due to lack of evidence. The recent sentencing highlights the ongoing conflict in the DRC, with the M23 rebel group making significant gains in the region. The strategic town of Kanyabayonga, considered a gateway to major commercial centers, was captured by the rebels. The M23 has seized vast territories, encircling Goma, the provincial capital of North Kivu, leading to widespread displacement and casualties. The UN reports 2.8 million displaced people in North Kivu, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis. Accusations of Rwanda backing the Tutsi-led M23 rebel group persist, although Kigali denies involvement. The DRC's mineral-rich east has been plagued by armed conflicts for decades, involving various local and foreign-based armed groups. The lifting of the moratorium on the death penalty in 2021 targeted soldiers accused of treason amid the ongoing armed rebellion in the region. The lack of accountability and morale within the Congolese military has raised concerns about the effectiveness of security measures against rebel forces. Defense lawyers have contested the charges, citing logistical issues and health concerns of military commanders during the alleged incidents. The sentencing of soldiers to death underscores the challenges faced by the DRC government in maintaining control over rebel movements and securing the volatile eastern region. The defense plans to appeal the verdict, signaling a potential legal battle ahead amidst the escalating conflict in the area.