DRC soldiers jailed for rape
2008-11-17 22:35
Goma - A military court in Democratic Republic of Congo sentenced four government soldiers to life imprisonment on Monday for looting as rebel forces advanced on the main eastern city of Goma.
One of them was found guilty of war crimes, including rape and looting, in a court-martial open to the public in the capital of conflict-ridden Nord-Kivu province.
The three other men were convicted of abandoning their posts in time of war and misuse of weapons during looting, while a fifth was given a six-month sentence for shooting and wounding a civilian.
The defendants went on the rampage while they were guarding the home of the regional military commander, General Vainqueur Mayala, as rebels led by renegade general Laurent Nkunda neared the city of 500 000 inhabitants.
Three other soldiers also accused of looting were acquitted.
Both the notoriously indisciplined Congolese army and the rebels have been accused of war crimes and other acts of violence against civilians. The conflict has forced about 250 000 people to flee their homes.
The Goma court is scheduled to try 15 more soldiers accused of looting next week.
Government troops, who have shown themselves powerless against rebel thrusts in recent weeks, also went on the rampage last week as Nkunda's forces neared the key town of Kanyabayonga, north of Goma.
A military statement said most of those responsible had been arrested, but gave no figures.