Congo has ended a moratorium on the death penalty, in place for over two decades, citing the need to address violence and militant activity.
The justice ministry, in a recent statement, highlighted the 2003 ban’s leniency towards offenders accused of treason and espionage, allowing them to evade proper punishment.
Decades of conflict have plagued Eastern Congo, with over 120 armed groups vying for control and protection.
This ongoing violence has terrorized communities and led to recurrent conflict.
The M23 rebel group, allegedly connected to Rwanda, continues to pose a significant threat, prompting many residents to flee to Goma, the region’s largest city.
With about half of North Kivu province under its control, M23’s attacks persist, often launched from hills overlooking remote towns.
The government, aiming to combat criminal conspiracies, armed gangs, and insurrection, as well as punish those involved in treason and war crimes, announced the reinstatement of capital punishment, extending it to military personnel who rebel or desert.
However, human rights organizations have condemned the decision, viewing it as regressive and incompatible with constitutional principles.
Jean-Claude Katende, president of the African Association for Human Rights, criticized the move, stating that capital punishment is not an effective means to restore order.
