A military court in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has sentenced 66 soldiers to death for cowardice, mutiny, and refusing to obey orders. The trial, held in Walikale, North Kivu province, aimed to bolster discipline among troops as they battle armed groups, particularly the Front for the Refoundation of the Nation (FRN) and its allies such as the M23 group. The soldiers were arrested on October 20 for abandoning their positions during clashes with FRN fighters. The DRC's army has faced criticism for poor discipline, lack of professionalism, and inadequate equipment, issues that have hindered its campaign against armed groups like the M23. The government has accused neighboring Rwanda of supporting the M23, an allegation denied by both Kigali and the rebels. Four soldiers were acquitted, one was sentenced to 10 years in prison, and another 27 soldiers faced similar charges last month. The DRC lifted a 20-year moratorium on the death penalty in March 2024, citing the need to remove "traitors" within the army. Since then, at least 507 soldiers have been convicted, including 381 death sentences. In October 2025, former Congolese President Joseph Kabila was sentenced to death in absentia on charges including war crimes and treason. He has since been named as the FRN's leader. The decision to reinstate the death penalty and these convictions have faced widespread criticism from human rights groups. However, no formal executions have been carried out since the moratorium was lifted. For more news from the African continent, visit BBCAfrica.com or follow us on Twitter @BBCAfrica, Facebook at BBC Africa, or Instagram at bbcafrica.