A military trial commenced on Monday for 84 Congolese soldiers charged with committing murder, rape, and other crimes against civilians in the war-torn eastern region of the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The soldiers allegedly forced entry into civilian homes across multiple villages in the Kabare and Kalehe territories of South Kivu over the weekend. Reports indicate that several women were raped, and at least 12 individuals were killed.
The accused appeared before a military court in Bukavu, the provincial capital of South Kivu, where the prosecution called for the death penalty for all defendants. This follows Congo’s recent decision to lift a two-decade moratorium on capital punishment, a move that has drawn criticism from human rights advocates. The country’s last execution was carried out in 2003.
Among the victims, Kavumu resident Zawadi Chapo Ombeni recounted being assaulted and robbed by soldiers while attempting to flee his village amid advancing rebel forces.
The trial takes place against the backdrop of escalating violence, as Rwanda-backed M23 rebels have intensified their offensive in South Kivu, following their recent capture of Goma, a strategic city in neighboring North Kivu. The conflict has resulted in approximately 3,000 deaths and thousands more injuries since late January.
