The trial of 84 Congolese soldiers charged with murder, rape, and various other offenses against civilians in the conflict-affected eastern region commenced on Monday.
These soldiers are alleged to have invaded civilian residences in multiple villages within the Kabare and Kalehe territories of South Kivu over the weekend, resulting in the rape of several women and the deaths of at least 12 individuals.
The accused were presented before a military tribunal in Bukavu, the capital of South Kivu, on Monday.
The civil party has called for the death penalty for all defendants. In March, Congo lifted a moratorium on the death penalty that had been in place for over 20 years, a move that has drawn criticism from human rights advocates; the last execution occurred in 2003.
Zawadi Chapo Ombeni, a resident of Kavumu, reported being assaulted and robbed by soldiers while attempting to escape the village due to the advancing rebels.
This trial takes place amid significant territorial gains by Rwanda-backed M23 rebels in South Kivu, following their capture of the strategic city of Goma in the adjacent North Kivu province.
Since late January, approximately 3,000 individuals have lost their lives, with nearly as many sustaining injuries.
