The Democratic Republic of Congo is preparing to execute over 170 inmates convicted of armed robbery, a move that has sparked both support and concern.
Justice Minister Constant Mutamba announced that 70 death row inmates were transported on Sunday to Angenga prison in the northern Mongala province, joining 102 others previously transferred. These individuals, aged between 18 and 35, are known locally as “Kulunas” or “urban bandits.”
While some citizens have welcomed this decision as a means to curb rising crime rates, human rights groups have expressed serious concerns. Espoir Muhinuka, a human rights activist, warned of the potential for extrajudicial executions and called for strict adherence to due process and fundamental guarantees.
“The situation in the DRC is complex and requires a multidimensional approach,” Muhinuka stated. “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.”
The DRC abolished the death penalty in 1981 but reinstated it in 2006. While the last execution took place in 2003, the government has recently resumed capital punishment in cases of treason by military personnel.
This move by the Congolese government is likely to face international scrutiny and raise concerns within the human rights community.
