A military court in Bunia, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has sentenced 17 soldiers from the Armed Forces of the DRC (FARDC) to 20 years in prison each for the rape and abduction of young girls.
The verdict was delivered after hearings supported by SOFEPADI (Solidarité Féminine pour la Paix et le Développement Intégral) and UNICEF, both working to combat sexual and gender-based violence in the region. The court sessions were held in Bankoko, near the administrative offices where the crimes had taken place, and were attended by hundreds of local residents, according to Radio Okapi.
Out of the 17 soldiers tried, 10 were found guilty of raping and abducting minors, crimes considered among the gravest under Congolese and international law. The sentencing represents a rare but significant step toward accountability for abuses committed by members of the national army.
Human rights defenders praised the ruling as a powerful message against impunity in the military. However, activists continue to stress the need for sustained reforms, survivor support, and stronger prevention measures to protect children and women in conflict-affected regions of eastern Congo.
