World News

DR Congo military court reportedly sentences 66 soldiers to death for cowardice

At least 66 of 71 soldiers tried were sentenced to death, with four acquitted and one jailed for 10 years.

Published Nov 10, 2026 · 11:59 UTC3 reports

The short version

At least 66 soldiers were sentenced to death for cowardice, mutiny and refusing orders, local media report.[BBC News]
The sentences followed a trial of 71 soldiers in which four were acquitted and one received 10 years in prison.[BBC News]
DR Congo lifted its 20-year death penalty moratorium in March 2024, citing the need to remove traitors from the army.[BBC News]
Reports differ on the court's location, so the venue and details of the proceedings remain unclear.[Deutsche Welle · BBC News]

At least 66 soldiers were sentenced to death for cowardice, mutiny and refusing orders.[BBC News]
The sentences followed a trial of 71 soldiers before a military court in Walikale, North Kivu province.[BBC News]
Four soldiers were acquitted and one was sentenced to 10 years in prison.[BBC News]
The sentence was handed down by the Goma Garrison Military Court.[Deutsche Welle]
DR Congo lifted a 20-year death penalty moratorium in March 2024, citing the need to remove traitors within the army.[BBC News]

Sources differ on the court's location, naming Walikale in one account and the Goma Garrison Military Court in another.[Deutsche Welle · BBC News]
The death sentences are reported by local media, and the broader reporting does not independently confirm the details of the verdicts.[BBC News]

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.