The Military Court in the city of Butembo, North Kivu Province have launched legal proceedings against 23 soldiers of the Congolese army (FARDC) after they fled from the battle front in the ongoing war against the M23 rebels in the east.
Sitting in a mobile court, the Butembo Garrison Military Court officially opened the trial against the 23 soldiers on Monday with a death sentence provisionally prescribed.
For fleeing before the enemy, the soldiers are being prosecuted for unrelated charges including attempted murder, wasting ammunition, attempted theft, rape, loss of weapons and violation of orders.
The 23 soldiers are also accused of collaborating and providing information to the M23 rebels.
