DR Congo soldiers sentenced to death for desertion

Twenty-five soldiers in the Democratic Republic of Congo's army were sentenced to death for deserting battles against M23 rebels and looting shops, a military tribunal announced.

Their wives were acquitted of receiving stolen goods. The government recently lifted a 20-year moratorium on the death penalty to eliminate "traitors" from the army. The soldiers, including two captains, plan to appeal.

The tribunal also sentenced one soldier to 10 years and acquitted another. The M23 rebels have captured several towns, causing 150,000 civilians to flee.

The army struggles with internal disarray, poor pay, and lack of equipment, despite UN and regional support.