More than 170 inmates on death row have been transferred from Congo's capital to a high-security prison in the north, where they are set to be executed. The convicts, known locally as 'Kulunas' or 'urban bandits,' have been convicted of armed robbery. The men, aged between 18 and 35, are being moved to Angenga prison in the northern Mongala province.
The Minister of Justice, Constant Mutamba, confirmed that 70 convicts were transported on Sunday, adding to the 102 prisoners who were already sent to the facility. The exact date of the executions has not been disclosed.
While some residents have welcomed the move as a step towards restoring order and security in the cities, concerns have been raised about the potential for abuse and human rights violations. Human rights activist Espoir Muhinuka emphasized the importance of respecting judicial procedures and fundamental guarantees to prevent extrajudicial executions.
The decision to reinstate the death penalty in Congo was made in 2006, despite the country having abolished it in 1981. The last execution took place in 2003. In March 2024, the government announced the resumption of capital punishment for cases of treason by military personnel, leading to several soldiers being sentenced to death in subsequent months.
Muhinuka highlighted the need for a comprehensive approach to addressing urban crime, including efforts to combat poverty, unemployment, and social exclusion, which are often underlying factors contributing to criminal activities.
The situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo remains complex, with ongoing debates surrounding the use of the death penalty and concerns about ensuring justice and human rights in the legal system.
