DR Congo Soldier Receives Suspended Sentence Over Viral Kiss in Uniform

A military court in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has given Adjudant Sarah Ebabi a one-year suspended sentence after a video surfaced online showing her kissing her fiancé while dressed in military uniform, an act the court said violated army regulations.

Court documents reveal that Ebabi, who served in the military intelligence department, had gone to Raw Studio on October 19, 2025, to take pre-wedding photos with her partner ahead of their scheduled marriage on October 31.

The controversy erupted after the studio uploaded the photos and video clips on TikTok, capturing the soldier sharing a kiss with her fiancé. The images quickly gained traction across social media, leading to her arrest on October 24.

During a hearing on October 28, the military prosecutor accused Ebabi of damaging the image of the Congolese Armed Forces and disregarding professional conduct, arguing that such actions in uniform undermine the discipline and respect expected from service members.

Ebabi, however, denied wrongdoing, insisting that Raw Studio acted without her authorization. “I never gave them permission to publish our pictures. They should be the ones held responsible,” she told the court.

Prosecutors initially sought a 10-year jail term, but Ebabi, in a calm and faithful tone, responded:“If the court finds me innocent, I will thank God. If it finds me guilty, I will still thank God the master of all situations.”

On October 29, the High Military Court found Ebabi guilty of breaching military ethics, sentencing her to 12 months in prison, suspended. The decision allows her to remain free and proceed with her planned wedding but places her on probation for a year, during which she must avoid any disciplinary violations.

The case has triggered a heated debate across the country about personal freedoms for military officers and the boundaries between private life and professional duty, especially in the age of social media.

Some legal observers argue that the punishment was excessive, suggesting that the army should focus more on awareness campaigns about digital responsibility rather than issuing punitive measures for acts of affection.

Meanwhile, an army spokesperson defended the verdict, saying it reinforces the importance of upholding military honor and national values, emphasizing that soldiers, even in their personal lives, are expected to embody the dignity of the armed forces.