The soldiers were accused of fleeing fighting involving the DRC armed forces (FARDC) and fighters from AFC/M23, RED Tabara and Twirwaneho.

They were among 112 soldiers tried in a case whose verdict was delivered on Friday, October 2, 2026.

The court sentenced another 54 soldiers to five years in prison, while 10 others were sentenced to six months for disobeying orders.

The remaining 21 soldiers were acquitted.

Six female soldiers were among those convicted of cowardice in the face of the enemy or disobeying orders.

The public trial began on September 15, 2026, at the Military Court in Uvira.

27 DRC soldiers sentenced to death for fleeing AFC/M23 fighting
FARDC soldiers during a past patrol. A military court in Uvira, South Kivu province, has sentenced 27 of their colleagues to death after finding them guilty of cowardice in the face of the enemy.