13 soldiers sentenced to death in Democratic Republic of Congo to 'increase discipline in the army'

The cost of indiscipline within the army, which is fighting the rebel group known as the "March 23 Movement (M23)" in the North Kivu province of the Central African country of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), has been severe.

A military court sentenced 13 of the 24 soldiers on trial to death for crimes including murder, looting, and cowardice. Four of the soldiers received prison sentences ranging from 2 to 10 years, six were acquitted, and one soldier's trial was postponed.

Military prosecutor Kabala Kabundi stated that the trial aimed to "help restore trust between the army and the public." Kabundi noted that the soldiers have five days to appeal their sentences.

All of the convicted soldiers maintained their innocence.

"FACILITATES THE ENEMY'S ADVANCE"

In North Kivu province, the army has been fighting against the Rwanda-backed M23 rebel group for nearly three years and is also facing violence from other militia forces.

Military officials state that territorial losses have occurred as a result of soldiers fleeing their posts during the fight against rebels. Local army spokesperson Mak Hazukay stated that clashes have intensified in the town of Lubero and that soldiers abandoning their positions facilitates the enemy's advance.

Hazukay said, "Some of the soldiers who were supposed to fight the enemy on the front lines acted with indiscipline. We had to conduct these exemplary trials to set things right."

News Source: İHA