The trial of 84 Congolese soldiers accused of murder, rape, and other crimes against civilians in the conflict-ridden eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) began on Monday. The accused soldiers were brought before a military court in Bukavu, the capital of South Kivu province, where they face charges of committing grave human rights violations in the territories of Kabare and Kalehe.
The soldiers allegedly broke into civilian homes over the weekend, targeting several villages, where they raped multiple women and killed at least 12 people. The trial has sparked outrage and renewed calls for accountability as the country struggles to manage escalating violence, particularly in its eastern provinces.
The civil party in the case has called for the death penalty for all 84 accused soldiers, citing the gravity of their crimes. This request has intensified the debate surrounding Congo’s recent decision to lift a 20-year moratorium on the death penalty—a move that has drawn sharp criticism from human rights activists.
The last execution in the country took place in 2003, and rights organizations fear that the return of capital punishment could lead to abuses in an already fragile justice system. International watchdogs, including Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International, have urged the Congolese government to reconsider its stance, warning that executions could further erode human rights protections.
Zawadi Chapo Ombeni, a resident of Kavumu, is among those testifying in court. He recounted how soldiers attacked him as he attempted to flee his village ahead of advancing rebels.
“I was beaten and robbed as I packed my belongings to escape. The soldiers treated us like animals,” Ombeni said.
His story echoes those of countless other victims, many of whom have been left traumatized by the violence. Reports indicate that some of the soldiers engaged in looting, burning homes, and terrorizing civilians under the guise of restoring order.
The trial is taking place against the backdrop of escalating tensions in eastern Congo, where the Rwanda-backed M23 rebels have been gaining ground in recent weeks. After capturing the key city of Goma in North Kivu, the rebels have turned their focus to South Kivu, intensifying an already dire humanitarian crisis.
Since late January, at least 3,000 people have been killed, while thousands more have been wounded or displaced. The Congolese government has struggled to contain the situation, with the army facing accusations of failing to protect civilians—something that has only fueled anger among the population.
The accusations against the soldiers have further exposed the weaknesses of Congo’s security forces. A military analyst, François Kabundi, explained that such incidents highlight a larger issue within the armed forces.
“Many of these soldiers have not been properly vetted or trained to handle civilian interactions. They are often deployed to conflict zones without adequate discipline, leading to tragic consequences,” Kabundi noted.
Civilians in South Kivu have expressed mixed reactions to the trial. While some hope that justice will be served, others remain skeptical, fearing that the proceedings may be more about symbolism than genuine accountability.
Marta Nsimire, a community leader in Bukavu, voiced her concerns.
“We have seen trials like this before, but what happens after? Will the guilty truly be punished, or will they be quietly reassigned? The people need to see real justice, not just a show,” Nsimire remarked.
Meanwhile, President Félix Tshisekedi has pledged to hold those responsible for war crimes accountable. In a recent statement, he emphasized that the government would not tolerate violations of human rights by its own forces.
“The army is here to protect, not to harm. Those who betray this duty will face the full force of the law,” Tshisekedi said.
Despite such assurances, trust in the Congolese justice system remains low. Many citizens fear that the trial will not lead to meaningful change, as the military has long been accused of corruption and shielding its own members from accountability.
As the proceedings continue, human rights organizations have urged international observers to closely monitor the trial to ensure fairness and transparency. Jean-Claude Mputu, a spokesperson for the Congolese Human Rights Network, stressed the importance of holding all perpetrators accountable.
“Justice must be served for the victims. But beyond this trial, we need systemic reforms in the military to prevent such crimes from happening again,” Mputu stated.
In the coming weeks, the court is expected to hear testimonies from victims, witnesses, and legal experts. While the case is being hailed as a significant step toward accountability, the larger question remains: Will this trial be a turning point in the fight against military impunity, or will it be another forgotten chapter in Congo’s long history of conflict and injustice?
For now, the victims of the atrocities in Kabare and Kalehe await justice, hoping that this trial will not only punish those responsible but also signal a shift toward true reform in the country’s armed forces.
