Would you like to receive notifications on latest updates of the following headlines?

Congo: 25 Soldiers Sentenced To Death For Fleeing M23 Rebel Fight

POSTED ON July 5, 2024 •   METRO      BY Benedicta Bassey
Congo Soldiers/ Photo credit: BusinessLive

Twenty-five soldiers in Congo have been sentenced to death for desertion and theft during battles against M23 rebels in the conflict-ridden east of the country. 

The soldiers were also convicted of theft, having stolen goods from shops in a nearby village after abandoning their posts, an army spokesman revealed.

In addition to the soldiers’ convictions, four of their wives were acquitted by the military court of receiving goods looted by their husbands. 

The military tribunal in North Kivu province handed down the sentences.

A lawyer representing the soldiers, two of whom were captains, has announced plans to appeal the decision. Alongside the death sentences, one soldier received a 10-year prison term while another was acquitted.

The DRC government had lifted a 20-year moratorium on the death penalty in March, with the justice minister citing the need to remove “traitors” from the army. 

Earlier, in May, a military court in Goma sentenced eight soldiers to death for “desertion” and “cowardice” in combat against rebel forces. These soldiers are also appealing their sentences.

The M23 rebels have recently captured several towns, including the strategically important Kanyabayonga. 

The DRC army’s fight against M23 and other rebel groups has long been plagued by disarray, with issues such as poor pay and lack of equipment contributing to its reputation as unprofessional and badly disciplined. 

Despite support from UN and regional state troops, the violence continues unabated. M23 fighters are reported to be well-armed and disciplined.

READ ALSO
Police Arrest Six After Abuja Market Killing
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara July 4, 2025 0

At least six suspects connected to the killing that led to unrest at Gosa Market on Airport Road in...

READ ALSO
Former Arsenal Star Thomas Partey Charged with Multiple Sexual Offences
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara July 4, 2025 0

Former Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey has been formally charged with several sexual offences by th...

READ ALSO
Liverpool Star Diogo Jota Dies Days After Wedding
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara July 3, 2025 0

The forward for Liverpool and the Portugal national team, Diogo Jota, has tragically died at the age...

READ ALSO
EFCC Nabs 18 Young Men in Major Internet Fraud Bust
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara July 3, 2025 0

In its ongoing campaign against illicit activities, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EF...

READ ALSO
Man Arrested for Brutal Killing of His Mother
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara July 1, 2025 0

A heartbreaking case of matricide has rocked the Dantanoma quarters in Gumel Local Government Area o...

READ ALSO
Nigerian Deported After Conviction for Smuggling Fake $100,000
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara July 1, 2025 0

A Nigerian, Aremu Adegboyega, has been convicted by a Circuit Court in Accra, Ghana, for attempting...

READ ALSO
NDLEA Nabs Ex-International Player in Major Drug Bust
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara June 29, 2025 0

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has detained former international footballer Segun...

READ ALSO
NDLEA Seizes Over 6,700 kg of Illicit Drugs in Cross River, Arrests 191 Suspects
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara June 28, 2025 0

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has reported the destruction of 30 hectares of cann...

OUR CHANNELS:

IRCC Raises Minimum Proof of Funds for Immigrants: New Threshold Set at CAD $15,262
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara July 11, 2025 0

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has initiated a review of the settlement fund cr...


Nigeria Urges U.S. to Reassess New Visa Restrictions Amid Concerns Over Reciprocity
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara July 11, 2025 0

The government of President Bola Tinubu has called on the U.S. government to reassess its visa restr...


Vigilante Leader Vows to Continue Fight against Banditry Despite Heavy Losses
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara July 11, 2025 0

A vigilante leader in Wase Local Government Area of Plateau State, Abdullahi Hussaini, has pledged t...


JAMB Reports Surge in Exam Malpractices, Two Arrested in Katsina
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara July 11, 2025 0

Data released by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board at its 2025 policy meeting on Tuesday...


Rio Ferdinand Urges Manchester United to Secure Victor Osimhen Amidst Transfer Rumors
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara July 11, 2025 0

Former Manchester United captain Rio Ferdinand has once again advised the club regarding their searc...


Ex-D’Tigers coach Brown sets goals for new job
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara July 11, 2025 0

The former head coach of the Nigerian men's national basketball team, D'Tigers,Mike Brown,has s...


U.S. Reduces Visa Duration for Nigerians to Three Months
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara July 10, 2025 0

The U.S. Department of State has changed its five-year visa policy for Nigerians applying for non-im...


JAMB Sets 2024 Cut-Off Marks for Tertiary Institutions
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara July 10, 2025 0

The Joint Admissions Matriculation Board announced the admission cut-off marks for universities, pol...


Federal Government Launches Exclusive Passport Office for Senior Officials
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara July 11, 2025 0

ABUJA, Nigeria - The federal government on Tuesday, inaugurated a new passport front office in Abuja...


African Democratic Congress Claims Government Coercion to Weaken Opposition Coalition
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara July 11, 2025 0

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused President Bola Tinubu’s administration of ta...


More Articles

Load more...

Menu