KINSHASA, Congo — Following a military hearing on Monday, a total of 23 soldiers from Congo could face severe penalties including the death sentence or lengthy prison terms, as they stand accused of various serious offenses including rape and desertion amid ongoing conflict in the eastern region of the country. The information was disclosed by a spokesperson for the army, Lt. Col. MaK Hazukay.

The arraignment took place in Butembo territory, located in North Kivu province. This region has been plagued by violence for years, with security forces engaged in combat against over 120 active rebel groups vying for control over mineral resources and territory.

In a notable shift in policy, Congo lifted a long-standing moratorium on the death penalty in March, a decision that has met with criticism from human rights groups. Since then, the military has seen increasing actions against its own personnel; in May, eight soldiers were condemned to death for abandoning their posts during combat, and by July, another 25 soldiers faced similar sentences. Up to this point, there have been no reports of executions.

Among the soldiers being prosecuted this week, ten are specifically charged with desertion, which is punishable by death. Others are facing various charges including misuse of military weapons, disobedience, robbery, and rape, as confirmed by the army spokesperson.

The eastern region of Congo, which shares borders with Rwanda and Uganda, has been a hotspot for armed conflict as various rebel factions clash for power and access to resources, while some groups aim to protect their local communities.

The M23 is one of the most prominent rebel groups in this area, accused by both the United Nations and the Congolese government of receiving assistance from Rwanda in the form of weapons and troops, a claim Rwanda has consistently refuted. The ongoing violence has exacerbated what is considered one of the most significant humanitarian crises globally, with over 7 million people displaced due to the fighting.

In another violent incident, six individuals lost their lives on Sunday night during an attack in the Beni territory by the Allied Democratic Forces, a group linked to the Islamic State. According to Kambale Jean-de-Dieu Kibwana, the deputy mayor of Beni, such attacks have become increasingly common, with residents reporting numerous clashes between rebels and national forces, leading to repeated displacements of local populations.