In DRC kisangani military court hears 84 FARDC soldiers accused of deserting M23

Since Tuesday, April 29, 2026, the Kisangani Military Court has begun the trial of 84 soldiers from the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (FARDC). The soldiers are charged with crimes including desertion, violation of military orders, mutiny, and waste of ammunition while fighting AFC/M23 rebels on the battlefield.

The soldiers were from the 3,415th FARDC battalion operating in Walikale, North Kivu province. Walikale is one of the areas that has long been the scene of conflict between government forces and AFC/M23 rebels, as it is rich in minerals and agricultural resources.

Desertion is a capital offense under Congolese military law. In addition, they are also charged with violating combat orders, mutiny, and waste of ammunition, all of which are considered acts that undermine the strength and credibility of the army on the battlefield.

The AFC/M23 is a rebel group that has been waging a war in eastern DRC for years, particularly in North Kivu. The group has captured key cities such as Goma and Walikale, making it difficult for government forces to fight it. The Kinshasa government accuses Rwanda of supporting the M23, a charge Rwanda denies.

Desertion is a common problem in the FARDC due to lack of equipment, low funding and poor training. This makes the government forces vulnerable to the rebels who are trained and capable of fighting. Such a case illustrates how the DRC government is trying to restore confidence and manage the morale of its soldiers.

In recent months, the DRC government has taken steps to tighten its military justice system, including punishing soldiers suspected of deserting or deserting. This is part of an effort to strengthen military morale and restore public confidence in government forces, as the war continues to claim a large number of civilian lives in the east.

The trial could be the start of further disciplinary measures in the FARDC, but it also highlights the government's shortcomings in dealing with the rebels. Analysts say a lasting solution will come from improving military training, increasing equipment, and addressing the political and economic problems that fuel the conflict in eastern DRC.