The recent decision by the government of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to resume executions has sparked significant debate and concern. On Monday, April 8th, the organization “Ensemble contre la peine de mort” (Together against the Death Penalty) convened a conference at the Paris Bar Association to address this critical issue. Central to the discussion was the lifting of the moratorium on the death penalty in the DRC, a decision undertaken by the Congolese government.
The backdrop for this decision is framed within the context of the ongoing conflict with the M23 movement in the eastern part of the country. The government in Kinshasa asserts that resuming executions is a necessary step to address betrayals within the military ranks and to bolster efforts in combating the M23 insurgency. However, an esteemed guest at the conference challenged this narrative, characterizing it as a simplistic and populist approach.
According to Congolese authorities, the reinstatement of executions aims to instill discipline within the military ranks and to purge traitors amidst the conflict in the eastern region. Additionally, it is purported to counteract the surge in urban terrorism and criminal activities resulting in loss of life.
In response to these assertions, “Ensemble contre la peine de mort” vehemently rejected such justifications. This sentiment was underscored by Firmin Yangambi Liboté, an advocate and former death row inmate at the Kisangani Bar Association, who categorically dismissed the government’s rationale.
The resumption of executions in the DRC is a complex and contentious issue that warrants thorough examination and deliberation. As stakeholders continue to grapple with the ramifications of this decision, it remains imperative to uphold principles of justice, human rights, and the rule of law in all endeavors aimed at addressing the challenges facing the nation