# DR Congo: 66 soldiers sentenced to death for cowardice in conflict with FRN rebels

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/dr-congo-66-soldiers-sentenced-to-death-for-cowardice-in-conflict-with-frn-rebels/
- Published: 2026-11-10T09:43:00+00:00
- Updated: 2026-11-10T10:27:40+00:00
- Original publisher: DW (publisher lean: Centre)
- Original article: https://www.dw.com/en/dr-congo-66-soldiers-sentenced-to-death-for-cowardice-in-conflict-with-frn-rebels/a-79906794?maca=en-rss-en-all-1573-rdf
- Topics: World

## Key points

- Goma court sentences 66 soldiers to death.
- They faced charges linked to fleeing clashes and disobeying orders.
- Four defendants were acquitted as conflict persists in eastern DR Congo.

## Summary

A military court in Goma sentenced 66 Congolese soldiers to death for cowardice, mutiny and disobeying orders during fighting with rebel groups in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo. The case highlights the authorities’ effort to enforce discipline as conflict continues in North and South Kivu.

At least 71 soldiers were arrested in separate incidents over allegations they abandoned posts or fled clashes with FRN rebels; prosecutors had sought death sentences for 70 defendants. The court acquitted four, while the article does not state the outcome for the remaining defendant. FARDC officials said the charges were intended to reinforce discipline. The FRN umbrella includes M23 and AFC, and the wider conflict involves other armed groups and disputed allegations of Rwandan involvement.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.