Three FARDC Officers Sentenced to Death Over Disobedience in Case Involving Alleged

Beni, July 11, 2026 - The Beni Garrison Military Court has sentenced three officers of the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) to death for violating military orders and desertion during a state of siege, in a case involving two individuals accused of illegally claiming command authority within the Wazalendo movement. The verdict was delivered on Friday night, July 10, 2026, in Beni, the temporary administrative capital of North Kivu province, following a summary trial before the military jurisdiction. Lieutenants Ilunga Jean Claude and Kasereka Maneno Achile, as well as Captain Makambo Moninda John, were found guilty of disobeying orders and simple desertion under the exceptional security measures in force in the region. In the same case, Paluku Timothé Bonheur, who presented himself as a Wazalendo commander, and his associate Kaseraka Valyali Dalmon, were each sentenced to 20 years in prison. The court found them guilty of encouraging soldiers to commit acts contrary to military discipline, spreading false information, and contributing to the circulation of rumors likely to undermine public order. However, the court acquitted the two defendants of charges related to poaching and unlawful appropriation of labor, which had also been examined during the proceedings. According to the prosecution’s findings, Paluku Timothé Bonheur allegedly presented himself as a “general” within the Wazalendo movement and operated a clandestine recruitment network based in the Malepe neighborhood of Beu commune in Beni. The court heard that, under the pretext of commanding an armed group known as “Ngoles,” he allegedly recruited civilians and FARDC members without legal authorization, while using the Armed Defense Reserve (RAD) label without an official mandate. Military prosecutors argued that the recruitment activities exploited frustrations among young people and some combatants, serving personal ambitions rather than contributing to national defense efforts. The convicted soldiers were accused of having been influenced by Paluku Timothé Bonheur, who also claimed to coordinate CONAP, an organization he described as representing Wazalendo groups across the country. The trial, which began on Tuesday, concluded on Friday with the court placing the convicted individuals under judicial authority. The military court also reminded them that they have a five-year period within which they may appeal the decision. The ruling comes amid continued efforts by Congolese authorities to reinforce military discipline and regulate armed groups operating in eastern DRC, where multiple security actors and local militias remain active alongside government forces.