Congo court sentences

A military court in the Democratic Republic of Congo has sentenced 26 defendants, including rebel leader Corneille Nangaa, to death following a high-profile trial for war crimes, treason, and participation in an insurrection linked to the M23 rebel group. Nangaa, currently on the run, established the Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC) to unite various armed factions against the Congolese government. The court's ruling comes amid ongoing tensions with Rwanda, which has been accused of backing M23, although Rwanda denies these allegations. The recent sentencing follows a cease-fire agreement between Congo and Rwanda, but experts warn that previous truces have been short-lived. Human rights organizations have expressed concern over the Congolese government's decision to lift a moratorium on the death penalty, reinstated to address military personnel accused of treason. The sentences may serve as leverage in potential future negotiations between the Congolese government and rebel groups.