At least 66 soldiers in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) have been sentenced to death for cowardice, mutiny and disobeying orders following a military trial in the country’s conflict-hit eastern region.
The soldiers were among 71 military personnel tried before a military court in Walikale, North Kivu province, according to local media reports.
Four of the defendants were acquitted, while another was sentenced to 10 years in prison.
The Congolese army said the trial was part of efforts to strengthen discipline among troops fighting armed groups in the eastern part of the country, where years of insecurity have weakened government control.
The soldiers were reportedly 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.
Military operations against armed groups, particularly M23, have repeatedly been affected by poor discipline and disorganisation within the Congolese army.
The government has repeatedly accused neighbouring Rwanda of supporting M23, an allegation denied by Kigali and the rebels despite what has been described as substantial evidence.
The Congolese military has also faced criticism over its professionalism, while some 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 abandoning frontline positions during clashes with rebels.
DR Congo reinstated the death penalty in March 2024 after lifting a 20-year moratorium. The government said the decision was necessary to eliminate what it described as “traitors” within the military.
Authorities also said capital punishment would apply to individuals involved in armed groups, insurrection, treason and war crimes.
The decision attracted criticism from human rights organisations. However, no formal executions have been carried out since the death penalty was reinstated.
Since the beginning of 2025, at least 507 soldiers have been convicted, including 381 sentenced to death, according to figures compiled by French broadcaster RFI.
In October 2025, former Congolese President Joseph Kabila was sentenced to death in absentia over charges including war crimes and treason.
Kabila denied the allegations but did not appear in court to defend himself. He has since been identified as the leader of the FRN.
