Congolese warlord Thomas Lubanga has been sentenced to 14 years in jail for recruiting and using child soldiers in his rebel army in 2002 and 2003.
He was convicted by the International Criminal Court (ICC) in March - the first conviction since the court was set up 10 years ago.
Lubanga had protested his innocence and said he had not supported the use of child soldiers.
But in a unanimous decision, the judges said Lubanga was responsible.
Campaign group Human Rights Watch says more than 60,000 people were killed in the conflict between Hema and Lendu ethnic groups in Ituri, in north-eastern DR Congo.
In June, ICC chief prosecutor Luis Moreno-Ocampo said he was asking for a "severe sentence" of 30 years.
He said the prosecution was requesting a sentence "in the name of each child recruited, in the name of the Ituri region".
The conviction of Lubanga is linked to current unrest in DR Congo.
Rebel forces are advancing towards the country's main eastern city of Goma. They are headed by Gen Bosco Ntaganda, who is also wanted for war crimes by the ICC.
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
Tags:
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
Latest Stories
-
Tyler Perry faces $260 million lawsuit over alleged sexual assault by actor
1 hour -
Energy Commission drives youth innovation at 2025 Renewable Energy Challenge
4 hours -
Troskit apologises after delivery glitch sparks outrage
4 hours -
Shaggy credits God for ‘It Wasn’t Me’ as he reflects on career, culture and service
4 hours -
Energy Commission pushes for commercialisation of student innovations
4 hours -
California doctor to plead guilty to supplying Matthew Perry with ketamine
4 hours -
Gov’t appeals for logistical support to evacuate Ghanaians amid Israel-Iran conflict
5 hours -
Health Ministry inaugurates committee to boost pandemic preparedness
5 hours -
Government pledges more incentives for Ghana’s auto assembly sector
5 hours -
National Service allowances to be increased in next service year – Director-General assures
5 hours -
NPP constitutes 9-member committee to spearhead National Delegates Conference
6 hours -
NPP slams police over delay in Ablekuma North collation, accuses NDC of obstruction
6 hours -
Gov’t must invest in local industry and patient capital to sustain economic gains – Coconut Grove Regency CEO
6 hours -
I’m not pro-state, my judgement is guided by law – Justice Bartels-Kodwo
6 hours -
NPP to elect 2028 flagbearer on January 31, 2026
6 hours