DRC female soldier gets one-year suspended sentence over viral kissing photos
The High Military Court in Kinshasa has handed Sergeant-Chef Sarah Ebabi of the Congolese army a one-year suspended sentence for misconduct, following her appearance in photos kissing her partner while in military uniform.
Sergeant-Chef Ebabi was taken to court after photos surfaced showing her kissing her partner while wearing the national army uniform.
According to the ruling, the soldier who had been detained since the previous Friday will be provisionally released but will be required to refrain from committing any other offenses punishable by law during the probationary period.
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After the verdict was announced, videos circulated showing crowds of people outside the court celebrating her imminent release so that she could prepare for her wedding, scheduled for Friday, October 31, 2025.
Before being convicted, 29-year-old Sarah Ebabi, who has served in the army for ten years, told the court that she had invited 400 guests to her upcoming wedding and pleaded to be released.
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She said: “I need to prepare for this important event in my life, which is also an honor for the military. I ask [the presiding judge] to release me; I am innocent.”
The story has gone viral on social media in recent days, drawing mixed reactions some people saying there was nothing wrong with her actions, while others argued that she had crossed a professional line.



