Authorities in Congo are expected to place over 75 soldiers on trial for fleeing the advance of Rwanda-backed M23 rebels after a deadly infiltration into the eastern province of South Kivu, as well as for violence against civilians in the region.
The military prosecutor’s office, addressing local media on Sunday, stated that last week’s attack resulted in unrest, including murder and looting.
This attack followed an earlier raid by the M23 rebels in late January, which led to the capture of Goma, the largest city in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. A report from the United Nations on Sunday detailed mass violations committed by the rebels, including summary executions, gang rape, and sexual slavery, as part of their effort to dominate the region.
The Congolese troops arrested for fleeing the frontline after the capture of Nyabibwe on Sunday effectively handed control of the town—located some 70 km (40 miles) north of the provincial capital—to the M23 rebels.
The 75 soldiers facing trial have been charged with rape, murder, looting, and revolt, according to the military prosecutor’s office. Others arrested further south on similar charges are also expected to join them in court, the office added.
While Congo has not commented on reports concerning its troops, it has called on the United Nations to investigate the violations it attributes to the M23 rebels and Rwanda.
