By Desmond Nleya
The Beni garrison military court in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has convicted 23 individuals for collaborating with the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), marking a significant development in the country’s ongoing fight against terrorism in the east.
The verdict, delivered on Monday evening, 6 October 2025, follows two weeks of intense hearings. The convicted individuals received sentences ranging from five to 20 years of penal servitude for their roles in insurrectionary activities, criminal conspiracy, and financing or carrying out acts of terrorism.
Lieutenant Colonel Nyembo, presiding over the court, cited Article 7 of the military criminal code in handing down the sentences, stressing the gravity of the crimes and the determination of the military justice system to send a strong deterrent message.
The convicted individuals were found to have been directly involved in ADF attacks or provided logistical and financial support to the group, which is affiliated with the Islamic State. Their activities destabilized the territories of Beni, Lubero, and Ituri—regions frequently targeted by ADF violence.
Civil Society Applauds Ruling, Appeals Expected
Local civil society organizations welcomed the court’s decision, viewing it as a glimmer of hope for communities plagued by insecurity. However, defence lawyer Maître Paluku announced plans to appeal, citing the legal right to challenge the verdict through higher courts.
Judison Kasereka Katrisa received the harshest sentence—20 years of penal servitude—for financing terrorism and direct involvement in attacks. His sentencing resonated deeply among residents of Beni, who have endured years of conflict.
Pépin Kavitha, president of Beni’s civil society, expressed satisfaction with the ruling, calling for all arrested collaborators to be brought back to Beni for trial. “This will serve as an example to others here in Beni,” he said, underscoring the need for justice to be seen and felt at the local level.
Violence Persists Despite Verdict
The court’s decision comes amid persistent ADF violence. In early September, rebels massacred around 100 people in Ntoyo, North Kivu, during a funeral, highlighting the group’s continuing brutality and the urgent need for a strong judicial and security response.
The eastern provinces of Ituri and North Kivu remain at the heart of a deepening humanitarian and security crisis, with communities living under constant threat.
While the verdict is seen as a key step toward accountability, questions remain about its long-term impact on curbing armed group activity and restoring peace to the region.
