A military court in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has sentenced 55 FARDC soldiers to death for desertion and looting in Lubero Territory, North Kivu Province.
The trial, held near the frontline in Musienene State, began last Monday after 66 soldiers were arrested for pillaging along National Road No. 2 in Lubero-Centre, Kimbulu, Musienene, and Butembo following their retreat from advancing M23 rebels. Their actions reportedly triggered widespread panic.
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On Friday, presiding magistrate Maj Georges Nkuwa handed down the death sentences, while one soldier received a five-year prison term, two got two years each, and another was sentenced to one year. One soldier was acquitted, and six others are still under trial.
Maj Nkuwa stressed that the verdict aimed to uphold military discipline, warning that those who abandon the battlefield or violate regulations would be pursued.
Defense lawyer Maître Jules Muvweko criticized the ruling, vowing to appeal. He argued that the court unfairly favored the prosecution and disregarded key defense arguments.
This marks the fifth military court session in Butembo addressing FARDC soldiers’ misconduct during the conflict with M23 rebels.
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