DR Congo court sentences two army officers to life over fighting

By James Tasamba

KIGALI, Rwanda (AA) - A military court in North Kivu province in the Democratic Republic of Congo sentenced two military officers to life in prison on Tuesday for fistfighting.

The military court in Goma convicted Maj. Rimenze Kangingo Bisimwa and Capt. Paulin Mukando Muzito for “assault, battery, and violation of the instructions under the state of siege.”

Footage of the two soldiers went viral on social media when showed the fight last week at the Goma International Airport.

The matter was quickly referred to the military court and the officers were arrested and arraigned before judicial authorities.

The court sided with the public prosecutor who requested life terms for the soldiers during the trial on Monday.

The defendants have five days to appeal.

DR Congo President Felix Tshisekedi proclaimed a "state of siege" in North Kivu and neighboring Ituri province in May and replaced senior civilian officials with army officers to curb growing insecurity.