A military court in the Democratic Republic of Congo has arraigned 23 soldiers, who now face the death penalty or prison sentences ranging from 10 to 20 years for alleged desertion, rape, and other crimes. The arraignment took place in Butembo, North Kivu province, where security forces continue to combat over 120 rebel groups in the region.
According to army spokesperson Lt. Col. MaK Hazukay, 10 of the accused face charges of desertion, which could result in the death penalty, while others are charged with offenses such as misuse of military weapons, robbery, and disobedience.
In March, Congo lifted a 20-year moratorium on the death penalty, a controversial move condemned by human rights groups. Although some soldiers have been sentenced to death since then, including eight in May and 25 in July for desertion, no executions have been reported.
Eastern Congo, a region rich in minerals and bordering Rwanda and Uganda, has endured decades of violence fueled by rebel groups vying for control over resources, land, and power. Among the most prominent groups is M23, which Congo’s government and the United Nations allege is supported by Rwanda—a claim Rwanda denies. The ongoing conflict has displaced over 7 million people, creating one of the world’s largest humanitarian crises.
In a separate incident, six people were killed Sunday night in an attack by the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), a rebel group, in Beni territory, according to local deputy mayor Kambale Jean-de-Dieu Kibwana. Locals report an uptick in violence, with frequent clashes between rebels and Congolese forces displacing many families multiple times.