Thirteen Congolese Soldiers Received Death Sentences From North Kivu Military Court: Spokesperson
© AP Photo / Jerome Delay
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Clashes between rebels and government forces continue despite a ceasefire agreement between all warring parties, which came into force on August 4 as part of the Luanda process to mediate a solution to the ongoing conflict.
The military court in North Kivu sentenced 13 Congolese soldiers to death on Tuesday, a spokesperson confirmed.
The North Kivu military court tried 23 soldiers last week. Thirteen received death sentences for desertion before the M23 militia, murder, and pillaging, while four others were imprisoned for two to ten years for various offenses, including theft. These soldiers had abandoned their posts during clashes with the M23 rebels, allegedly backed by the Rwandan Defense Force.
"Among the convicts, 13 were sentenced to death for offenses including murder, pillaging during the state of siege, and cowardice. Four others received sentences for dissipation of war munitions, violation of orders, and simple theft," Colonel Mak Hazukay, the army spokesperson for the region, told the media.
In recent months, intense fighting between Congolese forces and M23 insurgents in eastern Congo has led to numerous military tribunals. Soldiers have been charged with desertion and other violations since the M23 rebellion resurged. The latest convictions are from fighting in Lubero during December 2024.
