A military court in Walikale, in the Democratic Republic of Congo’s North Kivu province, sentenced 66 soldiers to death among 71 troops tried over offences including desertion, mutiny and disobeying orders, Africanews reported on November 10, citing local media.

Four soldiers were acquitted and one received a 10-year prison term. The trial followed reports that troops left their positions during clashes with rebel fighters on October 20. Military authorities said the prosecutions were intended to restore discipline.

The eastern DRC has faced years of conflict involving government forces and armed groups, including M23. The military has also faced criticism over organisation, equipment and pay, according to the report.

The sentences follow the country’s 2024 decision to resume capital punishment. Human rights organisations have condemned the policy; Africanews said no executions had been officially reported since the moratorium was lifted.