Congolese soldiers sentenced to death for desertion amid rebel conflict

As many as 25 soldiers of the Democratic Republic of the Congo have been sentenced to death. The military tribunal found that they all abandoned their positions and refused to fight the rebels. They were also accused of theft. Western media highlight the worsening situation in this African country.

The Congolese army has been fighting the "M23" rebels again for the past two years, with support from neighbouring Rwanda. The BBC website, citing an army spokesperson, reports that a military tribunal sentenced the soldiers for desertion. They abandoned their positions in the villages of Keseghe and Matembe.

After abandoning their positions, they stole goods from shops in the nearby village of Alimbongo. They were detained with their wives, to whom they entrusted the stolen goods. However, the women avoided punishment.

One of the soldiers received a 10-year prison sentence, while 25 others were sentenced to death. One soldier pleaded guilty, which may have led to his acquittal. The lawyer for the death row inmates has announced an appeal.

It is worth noting that in May, a military court sentenced eight soldiers for desertion during battles with the rebels. They are also appealing the verdict. The Congolese government lifted a 20-year moratorium on the death penalty. The authorities wanted to eliminate "traitors" from the army.

It is worth noting that the rebels formed the "M23" group back in 2012. It consists of those who deserted from the national army. The fighting lasted nearly two years but was halted with the help of the UN. A ceasefire, demobilization of the rebels, amnesty, and political rights for the fighters were agreed upon.

However, peace did not last long. In 2021, the rebels resumed fighting on DR Congo territory, accusing the government of breaching the agreement and marginalizing the Tutsi ethnic minority.

The national army is seen as unprofessional and poorly disciplined. Soldiers complain about low pay and a lack of equipment. The rebels are perceived quite differently.

According to the BBC, in recent days, over 150,000 civilians have fled their homes, worsening the humanitarian crisis in a region where 2.8 million people have already been displaced.