‘Urban bandits’: 102 men executed by Congolese government

At least 102 men have been executed in the Democratic Republic of Congo in the past week, with another 70 still set to be killed, officials have said.

At least 102 men have been executed in the Democratic Republic of Congo in the past week, with another 70 still set to be killed, officials have said.

According to the Central African country’s Minister of Justice, the men, who were armed robbers and “urban bandits”, were executed at Angenga prison.

Last week, 45 of the men, aged 18 to 35, were killed while the remaining 57 died within the last 48 hours. A flight from Kinshasa carrying “the third batch” of prisoners has arrived at Angenga, Minister of Justice Constant Mutamba said, though it’s unclear when their execution will occur.

The Democratic Republic of Congo Armed Forces. Picture: Seros Muyisa/AFP

The DRC controversially announced in March that it was ending a 20-year moratorium on the death penalty, which it would impose and carry out in, among other offences, cases of treason, war crimes, crimes against humanity, espionage, rebellion and criminal conspiracy.

The country abolished capital punishment in 1981, and while it was later reinstated in 2006, the last execution took place in 2003.

President Felix Tshisekedi said the decision was made “with a view to ridding the DRC army of traitors on the one hand and curbing the resurgence of acts of urban terrorism resulting in the death of men on the other”.

France's President Emmanuel Macron (R) and the President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo Felix Tshisekedi (L) in April 2024. Picture: Christophe Ena/AFP

The move sparked outcry from human rights groups, with activist Espoir Muhinuka telling the Associated Press that political pressure could lead to unjust convictions and arbitrary executions.

“The situation in the DRC is complex and requires a multidimensional approach,” he said.

“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.”

Amnesty International’s regional director for East and Southern Africa, Tigere Chagutah, said last year that the decision endangered the lives of hundreds of people who have been sentenced to death.

“The government’s decision to reinstate executions is a gross injustice for people sentenced to death in the Democratic Republic of Congo and shows a callous disregard for the right to life,” Mr Chagutah said.

“It is a huge step backwards for the country and a further sign that Tshisekedi administration is backtracking on its commitment to respect human rights.

“Whether those who have been sentenced to death are in the national army or police, in armed groups or have been involved in gang violence, everyone has a right to life and for that right to be protected.”