A military court in the Democratic Republic of Congo has sentenced 66 soldiers to death for cowardice amid the ongoing conflict with rebel groups. The ruling underscores the internal disarray that has hampered the Congolese army's efforts.
The soldiers were found guilty of abandoning their posts and fleeing from combat. The mass sentencing reflects the severe penalties being imposed to address perceived failures within the military's ranks. The Congolese army has been engaged in a protracted struggle against various armed factions, particularly in the eastern regions of the country, where instability has persisted for decades. The effectiveness of the military has frequently been called into question due to issues of discipline, equipment, and command.