Democratic Republic of the Congo sentences 27 soldiers to death

A military tribunal in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo has sentenced 27 soldiers to death for “lâcheté” (cowardice) following their withdrawal from the front lines during clashes with M23 rebels.

The convicted soldiers were members of the 21st Simba Battalion, which had been deployed to the Uvira region to secure strategic positions overlooking the city. The court found them guilty of disobeying orders and abandoning their posts during combat in August.

In addition to the death sentences, 54 soldiers received five-year prison terms for disobeying instructions, and 10 others were sentenced to six months of detention. At least 21 soldiers, including five women, were acquitted due to insufficient evidence. This ruling comes amid ongoing security tensions in South Kivu, where government forces and M23 rebels continue to clash.