Lubero – A Congolese military tribunal in Lubero, North Kivu province, has handed down death sentences to 13 soldiers on charges of murder, looting, and cowardice.
The harsh sentences, announced on Tuesday, are part of a broader military effort to address disciplinary issues and restore public trust following territorial losses attributed to soldiers abandoning their posts.
The trials, involving a total of 24 soldiers, took place amidst ongoing conflict in the region. Congolese forces have been battling the Rwanda-backed M23 insurgency for nearly three years, alongside numerous other militia groups. The fighting has intensified in Lubero territory, with instances of soldiers fleeing their positions contributing to enemy advances, according to local army spokesperson Mak Hazukay.
Hazukay explained the context of the trials: “Some of the soldiers who are supposed to be fighting the enemy at the front have shown a kind of indiscipline,” he said. “We had to organise this educational trial to set things right.”
The tribunal’s decisions resulted in a varied range of outcomes. In addition to the 13 death sentences, four soldiers received prison terms ranging from two to ten years. Six soldiers were acquitted, while the case of one soldier was adjourned pending further investigation.
Military prosecutor Kabala Kabundi highlighted the broader objectives of the hearings. Kabundi told Reuters that the hearings were intended “to help restore trust between the military and the population.”
All 13 soldiers sentenced to death pleaded not guilty and, according to Kabundi, have a five-day window to appeal their sentences. At least one defendant’s lawyer has confirmed their intention to appeal the verdict.
The severity of the sentences reflects the Congolese army’s determination to address the issue of indiscipline within its ranks. The ongoing conflict in eastern Congo has placed immense pressure on the military, and the tribunal’s actions are seen as a measure to improve troop morale, discipline, and ultimately, combat effectiveness.
