A young man, alleged former ADF fighter, faces 7 years in prison. He is being tried for participation in an insurrectional movement in eastern DRC. The military tribunal of Beni continues its hearings held outside the courtroom against affiliates of this armed group.

The public prosecutor requested, this Wednesday, September 24, 2025, a sentence of 7 years in prison against a young man accused of participation in an insurrectional movement, during the third day of hearings held outside the courtroom by the military tribunal of Beni garrison, in eastern DRC.

The defendant, under 20 years old, reportedly spent more than two years in an ADF camp, where he served as a carrier of war booty and rice harvests. According to his testimony, he was recruited under the pretext of agricultural work in the Graben, before being forced to join the ranks of the jihadists.

His lawyers argued mitigating circumstances, emphasizing that he was a minor at the time of the facts and that he acted under physical coercion. This case illustrates the way in which many young people, Congolese and foreign, are forcibly enlisted or deceived by the ADF, an armed group affiliated with the Islamic State.

Opened Monday, this trial held outside the courtroom is taking place at the official tribune of Beni. The first verdicts are expected between this Wednesday afternoon and Thursday, September 25, according to information gathered by Le Journal Africa from the military tribunal.

Benjamin Sivanzire