A military tribunal in the Democratic Republic of Congo has sentenced 13 soldiers to death on charges including murder, looting, and cowardice.
This move is seen as an effort to improve army discipline amidst ongoing conflicts with the M23 insurgency.
The soldiers were convicted in Lubero, North Kivu province, where the Congolese army has been struggling against the M23 rebels.
The court cited instances of soldiers abandoning their positions, contributing to enemy advances.
The trial aimed to address issues of indiscipline and restore trust between the military and the local population.
While 24 soldiers faced trial, 13 received death sentences, four received prison terms, and six were acquitted. All convicted soldiers have the right to appeal their sentences.
This development highlights the challenges faced by the Congolese army in maintaining discipline and effectively combating the ongoing insurgency.
