DR Congo sentences 27 soldiers to death for 'cowardice'

Trial of at least 112 soldiers from the 21st Simba Battalion began on Sept. 15 at Uvira military court

A military court in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo sentenced 27 Congolese soldiers to death for "cowardice," according to a court document.

The soldiers were convicted of withdrawing from the front line during fighting against AFC/M23 rebels.

The trial of at least 112 soldiers from the 21st Simba Battalion began September 15 at the military court in Uvira, South Kivu province.

The soldiers were accused of violating orders and fleeing battles against the rebels in eastern Congo in August.

The court said 54 soldiers were sentenced Friday to five years in prison after being found guilty of violating instructions, while 10 others received six-month sentences.

At least 21 soldiers, including five women, were acquitted due to insufficient evidence.

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The soldiers had been deployed to secure strategic areas overlooking Uvira, according to the prosecution.

In May, a military court in Congo sentenced 58 Congolese soldiers to three years in prison for "violating instructions" when they withdrew from the front line during clashes with AFC/M23 rebels.

The latest trial came amid continued clashes between the AFC/M23 rebel group and government forces in Uvira territory, according to local sources.

The sides have traded accusations of ceasefire violations.

The M23 rebels have been at the center of the conflict in eastern Congo.

The group controls significant territory in eastern Congo, including the provincial capitals of Goma and Bukavu, which it seized in early 2025.

Congo, the UN and Western nations accuse neighboring Rwanda of supporting the M23 rebel group. Kigali denies the accusation.