Congo’s Executions Sparks Global Concern
By Daniel Okonkwo for Profile International Human Rights Advocate
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has drawn international attention and condemnation following the execution of 102 prisoners, with 70 more reportedly awaiting the same fate. The government claims these actions are part of a crackdown on urban crime and insecurity.
According to a statement released Sunday by the Minister of Justice, Constant Mutamba, the prisoners—young men aged 18 to 35—were identified as armed robbers and "urban bandits" known locally as Kulunas. These individuals were executed at Angenga prison in northwest Congo. The government confirmed that 45 men were killed in late December 2024.
Mutamba also disclosed that a third group of prisoners, recently flown in from the capital, Kinshasa, would soon face execution, further escalating concerns about the administration’s handling of justice and human rights.
The executions have ignited polarizing debates within the country. While some Congolese citizens have expressed relief, seeing the move as a necessary step toward restoring public safety, others have raised alarms over potential judicial abuses and the broader implications for human rights.
Fiston Kakule, a resident of Goma in eastern Congo, voiced support for the government’s decision. “We welcome this decision by the minister because it will help put an end to urban crime. From 8 p.m. onwards, you can’t move around freely because you’re afraid of running into a Kuluna,” he said.
However, human rights advocate Espoir Muhinuka warned of the dangers of extrajudicial killings and miscarriages of justice. “The fight against urban gangs must go hand in hand with efforts to combat poverty, unemployment, and social exclusion, which are often contributing factors to crime,” Muhinuka stated, emphasizing the need for judicial processes to strictly adhere to due process and fundamental guarantees.
The use of the death penalty in Congo has been fraught with controversy. Although abolished in 1981, it was reinstated in 2006. Despite this, Congo had not carried out an execution since 2003 until a March 2024 announcement signaled the resumption of capital punishment. The measure was initially intended to apply exclusively to military personnel accused of treason.
Eight soldiers were sentenced to death in May 2024 for deserting the battlefield, and another 25 were convicted in July for similar offenses. However, none of these sentences are known to have been carried out, highlighting the abrupt and selective implementation of capital punishment for civilian offenders.
Critics argue that the root causes of urban crime—poverty, unemployment, and lack of social opportunities—must be addressed in tandem with judicial measures. They warn that the recent executions could set a dangerous precedent, potentially leading to arbitrary convictions under political pressure.
The Congolese government has so far refrained from commenting on the legal status of the latest group of prisoners transferred to Angenga prison. International human rights organizations are closely monitoring the situation, with calls for transparency and accountability growing louder.
The resumption of executions in Congo could have far-reaching consequences for the country’s international standing. As global institutions push for the abolition of the death penalty, Congo’s actions may lead to strained relations with its international partners and heighten scrutiny of its human rights record.
The unfolding situation shows the complexity of balancing public safety with the fundamental rights of individuals. While the fight against urban gangs is crucial, the methods employed by the Congolese government will negatively and undoubtedly shape the narrative of justice and governance in the years to come.
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