66 soldiers sentenced to death in DR Congo for cowardice

At least 66 soldiers in the Democratic Republic of Congo have been sentenced to death for alleged cowardice, rebellion, and refusal to obey orders. The sentences were handed down in Walikale, North Kivu province, where 71 soldiers were tried. Four soldiers were acquitted, and one received a 10-year prison sentence. The military stated that the trial aimed to improve discipline among troops during operations against armed groups in eastern Congo, which has faced decades of conflict. The soldiers were reportedly arrested on October 20 for fleeing their posts during an encounter with fighters from the Front for the Restoration of the Nation (FRN). Congo's army has faced criticism for a lack of professional standards and discipline, with soldiers also complaining about low wages and inadequate equipment.