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25 DRC soldiers sentenced to death for fleeing battle

In the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), twenty-five soldiers are put to a death sentence for stealing and escape from battles against M23 rebels. This information is a confirmation from their lawyer on Thursday. Their army spokesman also confirms.

The DRC military is fighting M23 rebels, who have had the support of Rwanda, for more than two years. The conflict, along with other militia fighting in the region, has forced about 2.7 million people to flee their homes. This is in North Kivu province. On Tuesday, 27 soldiers also put under arrest after they left their positions in the villages of Keseghe and Matembe. Army spokesman Reagan Mbuyi Kalonji says the soldiers were in observance looting in the village of Alimbongo. They are under arrest along with four of their wives, who receive items they steal.

A military court was quickly set up in Alimbongo on Wednesday to deal with the case. The court sentenced 25 soldiers to death for various crimes, including theft, running away from the enemy, and disobeying orders. One soldier gets a 10-year prison sentence, while the four women and another soldier were not guilty and released. Almost all of the soldiers denied the charges. Their lawyer, Jules Muvweko, said he plans to appeal the sentences.

The DRC military has long had problems with internal divisions, not enough resources, poor logistics, and widespread corruption. These issues have made the military less effective. In May, eight officers also got to sentence to death for cowardice and other crimes. Also showing the deep problems within the military that make it hard to fight against M23.

In March, the DRC ended a ban on the death penalty, saying it was only in need because of acts of treachery and spying in the ongoing conflicts. ALSO READ

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