In a recent statement, the Congolese government revealed that 102 men have been executed in the past week, with an additional 70 individuals set to face the same fate. The executions, carried out in northwest Congo at Angenga prison, targeted men aged 18 to 35 who were labeled as armed robbers and urban bandits, known locally as Kulunas.
The Minister of Justice, overseeing the executions, confirmed that the first two batches of executions have been completed, with a third batch imminent. The decision to reinstate the death penalty in Congo has stirred mixed reactions among the populace.
While some citizens view the executions as a necessary step to combat urban crime and restore order, others express concerns about potential human rights violations and the risk of unjust convictions. Human rights activists emphasize the importance of upholding judicial procedures and fundamental guarantees to prevent extrajudicial executions.
Notably, the death penalty in Congo has a complex history. Initially abolished in 1981, it was reinstated in 2006, primarily for military personnel accused of treason. Recent cases involving soldiers sentenced to death for fleeing the battlefield highlight the ongoing debate surrounding capital punishment in the country.
As the government continues its crackdown on urban gangs, activists stress the need for a comprehensive approach that addresses underlying issues such as poverty, unemployment, and social exclusion, which are often linked to criminal activities.
The resumption of capital executions in Congo has reignited discussions on the efficacy and ethics of the death penalty, prompting calls for a balanced and just approach to addressing crime and security challenges in the nation.
