The military stated that the trials were intended "to help restore trust between the military and the population."

Thirteen soldiers have been sentenced to death by a Congolese military tribunal on charges of murder, looting, and cowardice in response to what military authorities described as an effort to strengthen army discipline following territorial losses caused by soldiers fleeing their posts.

The sentencing took place on Tuesday in Lubero, a town in the eastern North Kivu province of the Democratic Republic of Congo. This region has been embroiled in conflict for nearly three years, with Congolese forces fighting against the Rwanda-backed M23 insurgency as well as facing attacks from other militias.

The local army spokesperson, Mak Hazukay, explained that fighting in the Lubero area has intensified, and the abandonment of military positions by soldiers had allowed the enemy to make advances. He pointed out that some soldiers had displayed significant indiscipline, prompting the military to organize this trial as part of efforts to correct the situation.

The tribunal heard the cases of 24 soldiers. In addition to the 13 who were sentenced to death, four others were given sentences ranging from two to ten years. Six soldiers were acquitted, and one case was postponed for further investigation.

The military prosecutor, Kabala Kabundi, stated that the hearings were part of an initiative to "restore trust between the military and the population." All those convicted denied the charges and have five days to appeal their sentences. A lawyer representing one of the defendants confirmed they would file an appeal.