About 13 soldiers have been sentenced to death by a military tribunal in Lubero, Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) for offenses such as murder, looting and cowardice.
A local military spokesperson, Mak Hazukay revealed that they were sentenced on Tuesday, December 31.
Hazukay noted that this move is to enhance discipline within the army following territorial losses caused by soldiers deserting.
He said, “Some of the soldiers who are supposed to be fighting the enemy at the front have shown a kind of indiscipline.
“We had to organise this educational trial to set things right.”
The government forces have been battling the Rwanda-supported M23 rebels for almost three years, alongside other militia-related violence.
Clashes have intensified in Lubero territory, and reports of soldiers deserting their positions have aided the enemy’s advancement.
A total of 24 soldiers were tried.
Aside the 13 who were sentenced to death, four received prison terms ranging from 2 to 10 years, six were found not guilty and one case was postponed for further investigation.
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