Congo has lifted a moratorium on the death penalty that has been in place for over two decades, aiming to address the escalating violence and militant attacks in the country.
According to a statement from the justice ministry released on Friday, the previous ban, implemented in 2003, resulted in insufficient punishment for individuals accused of treason and espionage.
The Eastern Congo, plagued by conflict for decades, has seen the involvement of over 120 armed groups vying for control over land and power, often resorting to violence to protect their communities.
The government has acknowledged that the ongoing violence in the eastern region has led to recurrent conflicts and a surge in attacks, instilling fear among local communities.
The M23 rebel group, considered the most influential in the area and reportedly linked to neighboring Rwanda, has been responsible for numerous assaults on villages, prompting many residents to seek refuge in Goma, the largest city in the region.
M23’s control has extended over approximately half of North Kivu province, exacerbating the province’s instability.
Recent weeks have witnessed heightened violence as security forces engage in combat with the rebels, with residents reporting attacks launched predominantly from hills overlooking remote towns.
The justice ministry’s statement outlines that capital punishment will be applied to individuals involved in criminal conspiracies, armed gangs, insurrection, as well as those committing treason and war crimes.
Additionally, it will extend to members of the military who rebel or desert and align with enemy forces.
Despite this, rights groups have criticized the decision, viewing it as a regressive step for the country.
“This initiative is against the constitution,” said Jean-Claude Katende, president of the African Association for Human Rights.
“We don’t think that capital punishment and the execution of this sentence are appropriate measures to restore order.”
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