
A Congolese prosecutor on Monday demanded the death penalty for 25 individuals accused of belonging to the M23 rebel group, marking a significant development in a high-profile trial taking place in the country’s capital. A 20-year prison sentence was requested for a 26th defendant.
The M23, a Tutsi-led rebel group backed by Rwanda, has seized vast areas of eastern DR Congo since late 2021, igniting a humanitarian crisis. Among the accused are prominent figures like Corneille Nangaa, a former election chief who later formed the Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC), a coalition of rebel groups including the M23. Other key M23 leaders, though absent from the trial, face similar charges.
However, only five of the 26 defendants are physically present in court, with the rest being tried in absentia. Those present include less known individuals, two of whom admitted membership in the AFC. One defendant justified their involvement, citing injustice and discrimination in the country.
The trial, which commenced last week, has drawn international attention. The Congolese government’s decision to lift a moratorium on the death penalty in March, targeting military personnel accused of treason, adds a layer of complexity to the proceedings. Critics have raised concerns about the potential for human rights abuses.
The defense is set to present its case on Tuesday, and the outcome of the trial is eagerly awaited. The ongoing conflict in eastern DR Congo, fueled by numerous rebel groups, has plagued the region for decades, leaving a trail of devastation and displacement.