Congo has lifted a moratorium on the death penalty after more than two decades, as authorities struggle to curb violence and extremist attacks in the country, a Justice Ministry statement released on Friday said.
A statement earlier this week said the ban, which dates back to 2003, allows criminals accused of treason and espionage to flee without proper punishment.
Eastern Congo has been plagued by conflict for decades, with more than 120 armed groups fighting for land and power, and in some cases defending communities.
At least 250,000 people displaced as conflict intensifies in Congo
The government said the country has been plagued by repeated conflicts due to violence in the east, resulting in a spike in attacks and spreading fear among communities.
Soldiers accused of rape and crimes against humanity lean forward in their chairs during a military tribunal in the town of Baraka, Democratic Republic of the Congo, on February 16, 2011. Congo has lifted a moratorium on the death penalty after more than 20 years, saying the government should work to rid the country of traitors and “acts of terrorism”. The Ministry of Justice said in a statement on Friday, March 15, 2024, that the suspension system, established in 2003, guarantees immunity for criminals accused of treachery or espionage. (AP Photo/Pete Mueller, File)
In recent years, the region’s most powerful rebel group, the M23, which is suspected of having ties to neighboring Rwanda, has continued to attack villages, forcing many to flee to Goma, the region’s largest city. M23 besieged several communities and took control of approximately half of North Kivu province.
Violence in the province has worsened in recent weeks as security forces battle rebels. Residents say the group’s warplanes mainly carry out bomb attacks from the hills overlooking the remote town.
The Justice Ministry said in a statement that the death penalty applies to criminals involved in criminal plots, armed groups and riots, as well as those who commit treason and war crimes. It also applies to armed forces, including rebels and those who desert and join enemy forces.
Human rights groups condemned the decision, calling it a setback for the country.
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“This initiative violates the constitution,” said Jean-Claude Catende, president of the African Association for Human Rights. “We do not believe that the death penalty and the execution of this sentence are appropriate means to restore order.”
