The Value of Life: Amnesty International Condemns Planned Executions in the DRC
By Daniel Okonkwo
The sanctity of human life is a universal principle that should guide every nation in its pursuit of justice and governance. In the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), this principle is under serious threat as reports emerge of over 170 individuals facing imminent execution. Amnesty International has expressed grave concern over these developments, urging President Felix Tshisekedi to halt all plans for mass executions and uphold the nation's human rights obligations.
The situation became dire on January 5, 2025, when Justice Minister Constant Mutamba announced the transfer of 170 people to Angenga prison, a remote facility in northwest DRC, for execution. These individuals, aged between 18 and 35, have been accused of links to urban criminal gangs known as "Kulana" or "bandits." Mutamba justified the transfers by claiming that resuming executions would help combat urban violence—an assertion unsupported by evidence.
Sarah Jackson, Amnesty International’s Deputy Regional Director for East and Southern Africa, described the transfers as "appalling," raising concerns about the lack of reliable information regarding the status of those sentenced to death. She emphasized the urgency of halting these executions, stating:
"President Felix Tshisekedi must immediately, publicly, and unambiguously halt any plans to execute people in Angenga prison or elsewhere. Parliament should adopt a moratorium on executions, pending full abolition of the death penalty."
Amnesty International highlighted the deplorable conditions in Angenga prison, where detainees have previously died of starvation and disease. The organization called for an end to mass transfers to remote facilities, stressing the importance of ensuring detainees' access to legal representation, contact with relatives, and oversight by human rights organizations.
Moreover, Amnesty International criticized the DRC government for sentencing individuals to death following unfair trials, often conducted by military courts. The use of the death penalty in these circumstances violates international standards and undermines the principles of justice and due process.
The DRC had observed a two-decade moratorium on executions, reflecting a progressive shift toward respecting the right to life. However, the government’s decision in March 2024 to resume executions marked a regression. Since then, death sentences have surged, with alleged members of criminal gangs and armed groups being targeted.
Mutamba's threats of arrest, conviction, and execution—often issued before trials—further highlight the lack of fairness in the judicial process. Amnesty International has reiterated its opposition to the death penalty in all cases, emphasizing that it is neither an effective deterrent nor a just response to crime.
The international community must stand united in urging President Tshisekedi and the DRC government to:
1. Halt all planned executions immediately.
2. Adopt a moratorium on the death penalty, with a view to full abolition.
3. Ensure transparency and fairness in judicial proceedings.
4. Improve prison conditions and respect detainees' rights.
As a nation rich in cultural heritage and resilience, the DRC must prioritize justice, human dignity, and the value of life over retributive measures. Upholding these principles will not only strengthen the nation’s commitment to human rights but also foster a society rooted in fairness and compassion.
The value of life is immeasurable, and no government should wield the power to diminish it arbitrarily. In the words of Sarah Jackson:
"Authorities must stop mass transfers to remote prisons and ensure that every individual is afforded their fundamental rights, including access to legal representation and humane treatment. The path to justice lies not in executions but in accountability, fairness, and the unwavering protection of human life."
This is not merely a call for intervention but a plea to reaffirm the sanctity of life as a guiding principle for the DRC and the global community. Let the value of life prevail, and let justice be served without the irreversible stain of the death penalty.
Daniel Okonkwo is a writer, human rights advocate.
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