A military court in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has sentenced 27 soldiers to death for “cowardice” after they withdrew from the frontline during fighting against AFC/M23 rebels.
The soldiers were among at least 112 members of the 21st Simba Battalion who stood trial at a military court in Uvira, South Kivu province.
The trial, which began on September 15, followed allegations that the soldiers disobeyed orders and fled the battlefield during clashes with the rebels in August.
According to the court document, 54 soldiers were sentenced to five years in prison after being convicted of violating military instructions, while 10 others received six-month prison terms.
At least 21 soldiers, including five women, were acquitted for lack of sufficient evidence.
Prosecutors said the soldiers had been deployed to secure strategic positions overlooking Uvira but withdrew from their posts during the fighting.
The latest convictions come months after another military court sentenced 58 Congolese soldiers to three years in prison for “violating instructions” after they retreated from the frontline during clashes with AFC/M23 forces.
Fighting has continued in eastern Congo despite efforts to maintain a ceasefire between government forces and the rebels. Both sides have accused each other of violating the truce.
The AFC/M23 rebel group has become a major force in the conflict and controls large areas of eastern Congo, including the provincial capitals of Goma and Bukavu, which it captured in early 2025.
The Congolese government, the United Nations and several Western countries have accused neighbouring Rwanda of supporting M23.
Meanwhile, Rwanda has repeatedly denied backing the rebel group.
