CONGO: The Controversial Executions in the DRC
In a significant and controversial move, the Congolese government announced in January 2025 the execution of 102 inmates labeled as "urban bandits," with an additional 70 executions planned shortly thereafter. This drastic measure is part of a broader crackdown on crime, particularly targeting armed robbery and related offenses that have plagued urban areas in the country. Félix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo The recent executions primarily involve individuals convicted of armed robbery. The government's actions reflect a growing concern over crime rates and public safety in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). However, this approach raises questions about the effectiveness of capital punishment as a deterrent and the underlying social issues contributing to crime, such as poverty and unemployment. While the current wave of executions focuses on urban crime, the DRC has a complex history of addressing war crimes through international courts. Notably, B...