These soldiers were captured at different times after retreating from combat against the M23 rebel group in South Kivu.

The military prosecution had charged them with offenses including desertion, murder, attempted murder, and sexual violence.

However, 72 soldiers were acquitted after the court found no evidence linking them to any of the alleged crimes.
Additionally, 90 other soldiers are currently on trial at the Military Court of Uvira in South Kivu, also facing charges related to desertion.

MONUSCO has trained FARDC officers and troops in military strategies and war tactics but many of them keep fleeing.