Eight soldiers from the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo have been sentenced to death after being found guilty of killing civilians.
The verdict was delivered on Tuesday, August 26, 2024, in a military court case held in Goma, within the Nyiragongo Territory, in North Kivu.
The eight soldiers are accused of killing two civilians who were motorcycle taxi operators during a military raid last week.
Radio Okapi reports that the two motorcyclists were shot by the soldiers in the evening hours in the Buhombo area of the Nyiragongo Territory, allegedly because they had exceeded the designated operating hours for motorcycle taxis.
The soldiers sentenced to death are: 1st Class Sindika Mwandemi, Sergeant Major Ngoyi Kabeya, Sergeant Major Ntumba Tshibangu Frédéric, 1st Class Tshilonda Mwana Héritier, 1st Class Kabulo Balebule Junior, Corporal Beya Ndombi, Corporal Ntumba Kalombo, and 2nd Class Ntumba Bahikwamba Augustin.
They were accused by the military prosecutor in Goma, Djembi Mondondo Michel, of committing murder with intent to steal and of wasting military ammunition.”
This death sentence was handed down after civil society organizations operating in the Nyiragongo area demanded justice for the murder of the two civilians.
Thierry Gasisiro, the Secretary of Civil Society in Nyiragongo, said, “With the conclusion of this case and the sentencing of the eight soldiers for killing civilians during peacetime, we are satisfied with the punishment. It represents a step towards restoring trust between the people and the authorities and addressing the culture of impunity that has been prevalent in eastern DRC.”
Thierry Gasisiro requested that the military prosecution continue to conduct such trials publicly so that the people can follow them and monitor the punishments given to those who commit murders.
