Congo (KAAB TV) – The military court of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) convened today to hear a case involving six soldiers from the Congolese Armed Forces and two women who were working with them. The suspects were brought before the Military Court of Butembo, located in Musienene, North Kivu, facing charges of desertion, theft, rape, and other crimes.
According to local journalist Seros Muyisa, who was present at the trial, the accused soldiers are charged with fleeing from the enemy, committing theft, rape, extortion, and engaging in various criminal activities in Lubero-Centre, Kimbulu, and Musienene.
Meanwhile, M23 rebels have continued to seize territory in eastern DRC since launching their offensive in January. Last week, they captured the city of Bukavu, the second-largest city in the region, and took control of the governor’s office.
Prior to Bukavu’s fall, approximately 80 Congolese soldiers and Zelandian militiamen were arrested and imprisoned at the city’s prison while awaiting trial. After M23’s attack, many prisoners—including soldiers—managed to escape.