Dozens of runaway Congo soldiers face trial on violence charges
M23 rebels stand guard near civilians during a meeting organised by the M23 at the Stade de l'Unite, after the town of Goma was taken by the M23 rebels, in Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo, February 6, 2025.
Congo authorities will put at least 75 soldiers on trial on Monday for fleeing the advance of Rwanda-backed M23 rebels into the eastern province of South Kivu and for violence against civilians, including murder and looting, the military prosecutor's office said on Sunday.
The United Nations has reported mass violations including summary executions, gang rape and sexual slavery in the wake of a major M23 advance in late January that lead to the capture of east Democratic Republic of Congo's largest city of Goma.
