At least 66 soldiers of the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) have been sentenced to death by the Goma Garrison Military Court after being convicted of cowardice, military mutiny, and disobeying orders.
The court, which sat in Walikale Centre, North Kivu Province, on Friday, handed down the sentences following the trial of 71 soldiers accused of abandoning their military positions and fleeing during fierce fighting with the Front for the Refoundation of the Nation (FRN), formerly the March 23 Movement/Alliance River Congo (M23/AFC).
54 of the soldiers were arrested on October 20, 2026, in Ngora over offences allegedly committed in Waloa Uroba Groupement, Wanianga Sector, Walikale Territory, while the other 17 were arrested later.
The soldiers were arrested after abandoning their positions and fleeing during clashes with FRN fighters. Maj Dieudonné Kasereka, the communications officer for the FARDC’s 34th Military Region, said the defendants were facing three main charges: cowardice, military mutiny and refusal to obey orders.
Kasereka says the prosecution had sought the death penalty for 70 of the 71 defendants, while requesting a 10-year prison sentence for a military intelligence officer. However, following the hearing, 66 soldiers were sentenced to death.
Kasereka adds that a sergeant, whose name was not disclosed, was granted significant mitigating circumstances and sentenced to 10 years of hard labour. Four other soldiers were acquitted, including a captain who served as head of intelligence for the 3415th Regiment.
He says the sentences are part of efforts to reinforce discipline within the armed forces amid ongoing military operations against armed groups in eastern DR Congo. This is not the first time FARDC soldiers have been handed severe sentences over similar charges in eastern DR Congo.
In May 2026, 58 soldiers were sentenced to three years in prison by a military court sitting in Kisangani for abandoning their positions and fleeing the advance of FRN/M23 rebels in Walikale Territory.
In July 2024, 25 FARDC soldiers were sentenced to death after being convicted of fleeing from the enemy following the rapid advance of M23/AFC rebels in Lubero Territory, particularly in Miriki, Kimaka, Luofu, Kayna and the FARDC military camp at Kasando, about four kilometres from Kirumba town.
In March 2025, another 55 FARDC soldiers were sentenced to death for fleeing the enemy and looting in Lubero Territory, North Kivu Province.
The latest sentencing comes amid renewed fighting between government forces and FRN rebels on several fronts in eastern DR Congo. On Sunday, November 8, 2026, FRN/M23 rebels advanced and took control of Bunyakiri Centre in Kalehe Territory, South Kivu Province, after dislodging FARDC soldiers and allied Wazalendo fighters.
The rebels and residents shared videos showing FRN fighters in the town following the reported takeover. Bunyakiri Centre is strategically located along National Road 3 (RN3). Its capture could disrupt the supply of essential items, including ammunition and food, to FARDC soldiers and Wazalendo fighters operating on the front lines in the area, according to local sources.
The rebels later claimed to have advanced further and captured Bulambika Centre, located approximately three kilometres from Bunyakiri. Both sides have consistently accused each other of violating commitments made under ongoing peace initiatives.
The Congolese government has repeatedly accused Rwanda of supporting the rebel movement, allegations that Kigali and the rebels have consistently denied. The FRN, on the other hand, maintains that its armed campaign is intended to address what it describes as corruption, discrimination and other longstanding grievances within the Congolese government.
The continued fighting has heightened insecurity and displaced thousands of civilians across parts of North and South Kivu, despite sustained regional and international efforts to secure a lasting ceasefire.