DRC Military court sentences 27 soldiers to death for fleeing AFC/M23 Fighting

A military court in Uvira, South Kivu province, in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), has sentenced 27 soldiers to death after finding them guilty of cowardice in the presence of the enemy, following their alleged flight from fighting against AFC/M23 forces.

The soldiers were among 112 members of the Congolese armed forces (FARDC) prosecuted in the case. The verdict was delivered on Friday, October 2, 2026, following public hearings that began on September 15.

According to the court’s ruling, 54 soldiers were sentenced to five years in prison, while another 10 were convicted of disobeying orders and handed six-month prison sentences. The remaining 21 soldiers were acquitted.

Among those convicted of disobeying orders and cowardice in the presence of the enemy were six female soldiers, according to the proceedings.

The case followed the soldiers’ alleged withdrawal from fighting involving the FARDC and armed groups including AFC/M23, RED-Tabara and Twirwaneho. The court proceedings were held publicly in Uvira as authorities sought to establish the circumstances surrounding the soldiers’ conduct during the fighting.