7 Army commandos were executed in the Democratic Republic of the Congo for fleeing from the M23 insurgents, which was deemed "cowardice."

Seven commandos of the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (FARDC) were given the death penalty by a garrison military court after they admitted to cowardice in front of the enemy.

On February 9, 2022, in Kamuronza, Sake, and Masisi territory, the Republican Guard soldiers were apprehended after escaping a clash with the M23 rebels. As they allegedly fled the fighting zone toward Sake town while firing, the soldiers Jonathan Mosazi Mondomo, Rodriguez Mayiza Mikoki, Tonton Koloti, Christian Kayema Munanga, Goire Mbutene Juiour Ndiwa Mawoka, and Ancelme Bangamwabo Mudatinya allegedly incited panic among thousands of civilians who also fled their homes for the towns of Goma, Minova, and Mubambiro.

After seeing several FARDC soldiers fleeing as well, the civilians who were also trying to escape the fighting between the FARDC and M23 began to worry that the M23 rebels may enter Sake. Four civilians were hurt, and two died as a result of the incident.

The seven soldiers were charged with cowardice, murder, aggravated assault, and dissipation of war ammunition in violation of article 57 of the military penal code. They appeared before the public military court on Saturday, February 11 in the evening at the Congolese National Police Station in Sake, Masisi territory.

The seven admitted guilt to the allegations, and Maj Lazare Amusini's court condemned them to death. Over 170 soldiers left the Bunagana border in June 2022 and fled to the Ugandan side of the Kisoro district. A few hours later, M23 rebels showed up and took control of the area. According to FARDC, the area has not yet been retaken.

While both Rwanda and the rebels vehemently deny it, the DR Congo accuses Rwanda of supporting the rebels. According to M23, it is opposing corrupt, xenophobic, and discriminatory leadership in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Since a long time ago, Rwanda has criticized the Congolese government for failing to disarm Hutu rebels, some of whom were responsible for the genocide in Rwanda in 1994.