According to the Action of Christians for the Abolition of Torture (ACAT), more than 300 people have been sentenced to death by courts in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) since 2024.
In March 2024, the Congolese government officially reinstated the death penalty, ending a moratorium that had been in place for over two decades. Authorities justified the decision as a response to the growing wave of violent crimes, particularly treason and armed robbery in urban areas.
Most of those sentenced are combatants involved in the ongoing conflicts in eastern DRC, including state soldiers convicted of “desertion,” civilians, and members of the armed group AFC/M23 accused of treason.
Among the high-profile figures reportedly condemned are Corneille Nangaa, leader of the AFC/M23; Bertrand Bisimwa, his deputy; Major General Sultani Makenga, head of the group’s military wing; and even Joseph Kabila Kabange, who served as President of the DRC from 2001 to 2019.
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In addition, many young people from vulnerable backgrounds often linked to Kinshasa’s urban crime gangs known as Kuluna have been sentenced to death after being found guilty of armed robbery in the capital.
ACAT also notes that some convictions relate to individuals accused of attempting to overthrow President Félix Tshisekedi in May 2024 under the leadership of Christian Malanga. Among those detained was Jean-Jacques Wondo, a Congolese-born analyst holding both Belgian and American citizenship. Following international pressure, Wondo and other foreign nationals were released and repatriated to their respective countries. However, others implicated in the coup attempt remain in detention in Kinshasa.
The condemned Kuluna members have reportedly been transferred to Angenga maximum-security prison in Sud-Ubangi Province, where they await execution.
As of now, there has been no official confirmation of any executions being carried out. ACAT, however, urges vigilance and calls on the Congolese authorities to uphold human rights standards throughout the legal process.
