Twenty-three Congolese soldiers are facing the death penalty or lengthy prison sentences after being arraigned on Monday for alleged crimes including desertion, rape, and misuse of military weapons.
The soldiers were brought before a military court in North Kivu province, a region plagued by armed conflict for years.
The Congolese government lifted a moratorium on the death penalty earlier this year, a move that has been criticized by human rights groups.
This comes amidst intensified fighting in eastern Congo, where numerous rebel groups, including the M23, are active.
The M23, which the UN and the Congolese government accuse Rwanda of supporting, has significantly increased its attacks in recent months. Rwanda denies these allegations.
The ongoing violence has displaced millions of people and created a severe humanitarian crisis in the region.
