At least 23 Congolese soldiers are now facing death sentences or lengthy prison terms for alleged desertion and other crimes.
The soldiers were arraigned Monday in a military court in Butembo, North Kivu province, according to the Congolese army.
Charges range from desertion, which carries the death penalty, to robbery, disobedience, and rape, said army spokesman Lt. Col. MaK Hazukay.
Eastern Congo remains mired in conflict, with over 120 rebel groups fueling violence over land, power, and mineral wealth.
The government lifted a 20-year moratorium on the death penalty in March, sparking criticism from human rights groups.
Since the change, several soldiers have been sentenced to death, including eight in May and 25 in July, for battlefield desertion.
Despite the verdicts, no executions have been reported, raising questions about enforcement of the controversial policy.
Eastern Congo, bordering Rwanda and Uganda, remains one of the world’s most volatile regions, plagued by rebel violence.
The M23 rebel group, accused by Congo and the United Nations of receiving Rwandan support, remains a dominant force in the conflict.
Rwanda denies involvement, but the conflict has displaced over 7 million people, creating a dire humanitarian crisis.