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Military trials in the Democratic Republic of the Congo expose weaknesses on the frontlines, where gaps have allowed rebels to seize vast territories.

Since January, the two main cities in the east of the country – Goma and Bukavu – have fallen into the hands of the March 23 Movement, known as “M23,” which resumed armed activities in 2021.

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Trials and Weaknesses

Amid significant setbacks on the ground, the trial of five army and police generals has begun in Kinshasa before the Supreme Military Court. They stand accused of fleeing as rebels advanced toward the city of Goma in the east.

Currently on trial are the deputy police governor of North Kivu, two army and police chiefs, a unit commander, and a military adviser stationed in Goma, the provincial capital. They face charges of “cowardice, violating orders, and losing ammunition.”

During the trial’s opening, the five generals, including the former interim governor of North Kivu, appeared in military uniform, revealing their identities publicly for the first time.

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All these officers attended prestigious military academies, with some having trained in Europe.

They are officially accused of “cowardice” for fleeing Goma aboard a private boat, abandoning their troops without leadership as North Kivu’s capital was seized.

This act defied orders from President Félix Tshisekedi, who had instructed forces to “stay in Goma and defend it with weapons, even at the greatest sacrifice.”

Violating these orders led to the loss of military equipment and large quantities of ammunition, including five T-55 tanks, listed in a document in the indictment file reviewed by Radio France Internationale.

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Death Penalty

The trial commenced in the presence of the Minister of Justice, who had ordered the officers’ indictment.

During the public hearing, the military prosecutor, citing the “seriousness” of the charges, stated that he did not want the subsequent sessions to be broadcast. The next hearing, scheduled for March 20, may be held behind closed doors to examine the facts in detail.

The defendants face the death penalty, though their lawyers remain optimistic.

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Lawyer Chicha Bukolombi told French radio, “At first glance, upon reviewing the files, we found them empty.”

He added, “Our clients were concerned about service disruptions. As the investigation progresses, we hope the Supreme Court will deliver fair justice and acquit our clients, who remain loyal and are still needed by the Republic.”

All defendants are currently held at Ndolo Prison, the country’s largest military prison, in conditions criticized by their lawyers, who demand they be allowed to appear as free men.

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Peace Talks

This development comes as “direct peace negotiations” between Kinshasa and the rebels are set to begin in Luanda next Tuesday, as announced by the Angolan presidency a few days ago.

The Angolan presidency stated in a brief statement that “based on steps taken by the Angolan mediation… delegations from the Democratic Republic of Congo and the M23 Movement will begin direct peace negotiations on March 18 in the city of Luanda.”

Angolan President João Lourenço, the mediator in this conflict, announced on Tuesday that “direct negotiations” between the two sides would take place “in the coming days,” though no specific date was provided.

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Peace talks between Kinshasa and M23 had stalled after Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi refused to engage in dialogue with the rebel group, which had launched a swift attack in the country’s east.

However, Tshisekedi reversed his refusal to negotiate with the rebel movement following talks with his Angolan counterpart João Lourenço in Luanda on Tuesday.

Kinshasa reports that more than 7,000 people have been killed in attacks carried out by the movement this year.

The Democratic Republic of Congo accuses its neighbor Rwanda of trying to exploit the mineral resources in the North and South Kivu provinces (eastern Congo), but Kigali denies these allegations.

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