66 soldiers were sentenced to death in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, accused of cowardice, mutiny, and disobeying orders

At least 71 members of the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (FARDC) have been arrested following separate incidents that occurred amid intense fighting with rebel groups near the borders with Uganda, Rwanda, and Burundi. Sixty-six soldiers were sentenced to death in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, accused of cowardice, mutiny, and disobeying orders. The soldiers are accused of abandoning their posts or fleeing during clashes in the provinces of North Kivu and South Kivu.

Prosecutors sought the death penalty for 70 of the defendants and 10 years in prison for an intelligence officer. The court acquitted four of the soldiers. Major Dieudonné Kasereka argued that the investigations are necessary to restore discipline in the conflict-affected areas.

The fighting is taking place amid the offensive by the Front for the Refoundation of the Nation (FRN), an alliance that includes M23 and the Congo River Alliance. According to information presented in the article, the group is led by former President Joseph Kabila. The FDLR, a militia made up mainly of Rwandan Hutus, is also involved in the conflict.

The UN has accused the FRN and Rwandan forces of killings, torture, forced recruitment, abusive labor, and the use of child soldiers. Rwanda rejects allegations of direct involvement in the conflict.