Congo to execute over 170 people convicted of armed robbery, official says

More than 170 inmates on death row were flown from Congo’s capital to a high-security prison in the north where they will be executed, Congolese authorities said.

Seventy of the convicts were transported on Sunday, according to Congolese Minister of Justice Constant Mutamba. This adds to the 102 other prisoners who have already been sent to Angenga prison in the northern Mongala province.

The men have been convicted of armed robbery and are locally known as “Kulunas” or “urban bandits.” They are aged between 18 and 35, as mentioned by Mutamba in a statement. The minister did not specify when the executions would take place.

Some have welcomed the measure as a means of restoring order and security in the cities, while others are concerned about the risks of abuse and human rights violations.

“We welcome this decision by the minister because it will help put an end to urban crime. From 8 p.m. onwards, you can’t move around freely because you’re afraid of running into a Kuluna,” said Fiston Kakule, a resident of the eastern city of Goma.

Espoir Muhinuka, a human rights activist, warned of the possibility of extrajudicial executions and called for a strict respect for judicial procedures and fundamental guarantees. He fears that political pressure could lead to unjust convictions and arbitrary executions.

Congolese flag

The flag of the Democratic Republic of the Congo is seen in Beijing, May 26, 2023. (Photo by Wang Xin/VCG)

“The situation in the DRC is complex and requires a multidimensional approach. The fight against urban gangs must go hand in hand with efforts to combat poverty, unemployment and social exclusion, which are often contributing factors to crime,” he said.

Congo abolished the death sentence in 1981, but it was reinstated in 2006. The last execution took place in 2003.

In March 2024, the Congolese government announced the resumption of capital punishment in cases of treason by military personnel.In May, eight soldiers were sentenced to death, and in July, 25 soldiers were convicted of similar offences. None is known to have been executed.

You May Also Like
Jennifer Aniston's alleged stalker thinks he is Jesus Christ and she is his queen, says wife

Wife of Jennifer Aniston’s reported stalker claims he believes he is Jesus Christ with her as his queen

The wife of Jennifer Aniston’s alleged stalker has exclusively revealed to Daily…
Columbia suspends anti-Israel agitators after takeover, spreading of pamphlets glorifying alleged terrorist

Columbia University suspends individuals promoting anti-Israel views and distributing glorifying materials about an accused terrorist following a recent incident.

Columbia University has taken action against 65 students who were involved in…
Dramatic moment Newark Mayor Ras Baraka is arrested outside of ICE facility in New Jersey

Newark Mayor Ras Baraka arrested outside ICE facility in New Jersey in a dramatic moment

The mayor of Newark was arrested at an ICE detention facility in…
Ro Khanna Steps in It Big Time in Defense of New Jersey MS-13 Caucus Members

Ro Khanna makes a major mistake while supporting MS-13 members in New Jersey.

With their misguided actions, these Democrats are only highlighting their disregard for…
Chicago-born Pope Leo XIV celebrates first Mass as pontiff in Sistine Chapel

Pope Leo XIV, who was born in Chicago, holds his first Mass as pontiff in the Sistine Chapel

CHICAGO (WLS) — Pope Leo XIV is just beginning his first full…
Chicago-born Pope Leo XIV, new leader of Catholic Church in Vatican City, has family tree that shows Black roots in New Orleans

Pope Leo XIV, who is from Chicago, is the Vatican City’s new Catholic Church leader and has ancestors with Black heritage from New Orleans.

CHICAGO — Robert Francis Prevost, the Chicago-born man who became Pope Leo…
British cardinal reveals Pope Leo's reaction upon being elected and suggests he 'won't be afraid of tyrants' after notoriously secretive papal conclave

British cardinal shares Pope Leo’s response to his election and predicts he will confront tyrants fearlessly following a highly secretive papal conclave

A British cardinal involved in the secretive papal conclave has revealed how…
Jeffrey Rupnow, father of 15-year-old Natalie Rupnow, who killed 2 at Madison, Wisconsin religious school, faces felony charges

Jeffrey Rupnow Appears in Court for Felony Charges Related to Daughter’s Involvement in Madison School Incident

MADISON, Wis. — The father of a 15-year-old girl who killed a…
‘Doctor Odyssey’ Episode 17: A Tidal Wave And A Tsunami Of Guest Stars Including Jim O’Heir and Christopher Gorham

Exciting new guests Jim O’Heir and Christopher Gorham in Episode 17 of ‘Doctor Odyssey’: A Story of Waves

If this really is the end for Doctor Odyssey, Ryan Murphy is…
KENNEDY: I've got my hands on an early version of Jill Biden's memoir! Here's what they're finally admitting... and her ultimate nemesis will be quaking

Exclusive Preview: I have an advance copy of Jill Biden’s memoir! Discover what she’s revealing and who she sees as her biggest rival.

The Biden Crime family has sunk to its last big grift. After…
Trump Administration Sends Brutally Honest Response Saying Judge Can't Undo a Perfectly Good Deportation

DHS Invites You to Get to Know the Detainees Who NJ Democrats Were Enthusiastic About at ICE Detention Center

Earlier today, a group of Democratic representatives from New Jersey and the…
New Movies on Streaming: ‘Warfare,’ ‘The Luckiest Man In America,’ + More

Streaming Now: Discover the Latest Films – ‘Warfare,’ ‘The Luckiest Man In America,’ and More

This weekend, there are new movies to enjoy on Video on Demand…