What is Somalia learning from Congo's actions during wartime?

Kinshasa (Caasimada Online) – A tough step taken by the government of the Democratic Republic of Congo after a military court sentenced at least 66 soldiers to death by firing squad for charges related to desertion and abandoning the front lines of battle highlights how some countries are dealing with misconduct and insubordination among troops during wartime.

These sentences came after 71 soldiers were brought before a military court located in the city of Walikale in the North Kivu province, eastern part of the country. Four of the soldiers were acquitted of any wrongdoing, while another was sentenced to 10 years in prison.

This trial aims to strengthen the discipline and order of the troops, at a time when the government is engaged in combat with armed groups operating in the eastern part of the country, particularly the M23 rebels, as stated by the Congolese military.

The charges against the convicted soldiers are related to incidents that occurred on October 20, when they were arrested in the city of Walikale. They were accused of leaving their posts and fleeing from the battlefields during clashes.

The challenges facing the Congolese military have long been associated with misconduct, disorganization, and lack of coordination, which have undermined military operations against armed groups.

On the other hand, the soldiers have expressed grievances about low salaries and inadequate military equipment.

This action is not the first taken by the Congolese government, as last month 27 other soldiers were sentenced to death by firing squad after being accused of misconduct and deserting the front lines of battle.

The strict policy of the Congolese government regarding military ethics intensified in March 2024, when it lifted a 20-year moratorium on carrying out death sentences.

At that time, the government stated that the measure aimed to cleanse the military of what it called "khaa’imiin".

A census compiled by the French media outlet RFI shows the extent of these measures, with at least 507 soldiers found guilty of crimes since the beginning of 2025, while 381 of them were sentenced to death by firing squad.

The security crisis in Congo is also partly due to the conflict with Rwanda, with the Kinshasa government repeatedly accusing Kigali of supporting the M23 group. Rwanda and the rebels have denied these accusations, although there is substantial evidence related to the matter.

Another incident highlighting the severity of Congo's military policy was the death sentence by firing squad handed down in October 2025 to the former president of the country, Joseph Kabila, who was absent.

He was found guilty of charges including war crimes and treason, but Kabila denied the allegations and did not appear in court. Since then, he has been appointed as the leader of the rebel coalition FRN.

However, Congo's action raises an important question for Somalia regarding how to ensure ethics, discipline, and adherence to military orders, especially during times of conflict with armed groups. The lesson to be learned is to strengthen accountability and military order, with every action based on justice and law.