DR Congo sentences 66 soldiers to death for cowardice, disobeying military orders
Sixty-six soldiers in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) have been sentenced to death for cowardice, mutiny and disobeying military orders following a trial in the country’s region.
The soldiers were among 71 officers tried by a military court in Walikale, North Kivu province. Four were acquitted, while another received a 10-year prison sentence, according to local media reports.
They were arrested on October 20 for allegedly abandoning their positions and fleeing during clashes with fighters of the Front for the Refoundation of the Nation (FRN), a rebel coalition that includes the M23 group.
The Congolese army said the trial was intended to enforce discipline among soldiers engaged in operations against armed groups in eastern DR Congo.
Last month, another 27 soldiers were sentenced to death for similar offences.
DR Congo lifted its 20-year moratorium on the death penalty in March 2024.
However, no formal executions had been carried out since the death penalty was reinstated, despite criticism from human rights organisations.
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
States
Independence: NBA urges Nigerians to expect better future
The NBA said that ordinary Nigerians should be deriving benefit from the subsidy removal rather than hardship.
Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
World
Turkish troops to begin withdrawing from base in northern Iraq
The base in the Nineveh Plain has long been a point of contention between both countries.
Education
CBAAC urges revival of African languages, traditionsÂ
Ms Adamu-Augie emphasised the importance of teaching children indigenous languages,
Hot news Home top
INEC removes 1.6 million voter records, flags 54 employees for registration fraud
The commission assured voters that biometric authentication through the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) would prevent multiple voting on election day.
NationWide
FG challenges unity college principals to strengthen security against attacks
Mrs Olatunji-David described principals as the chief security officers of their institutions.
NationWide
FG moves to tackle scrap metal theft, bolster steel industry
Mr Rimi said the federal government remains committed to developing Nigeria’s steel industry.
States
Troops kill terrorist, rescue three kidnap victims in Adamawa operations
The troops assured residents of their safety and continued efforts to prevent further attacks.
