The Spokesperson for the Government of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Patrick Muyaya has announced that executing those convicted of crimes is the only option to stop the activities causing the deaths of citizens.
The Government of the DRC has decided to reinstate the implementation of the death penalty, which had been suspended in 2003, due to reasons including an increase in crimes such as treason, particularly in the North Kivu Province where there is ongoing conflict.
This decision was condemned by human rights organizations including Amnesty International, the European Union, and countries such as the United Kingdom, Canada, and Switzerland, arguing that the death penalty violates the fundamental right to life.
In a press conference in Kinshasa, Muyaya explained that this penalty, which had been suspended under the administration of Joseph Kabila, was reinstated based on the wish of President Félix Tshisekedi Tshilombo.
The spokesperson stated that reinstating this penalty is the choice that would stop Congolese from continuing to die. He said, “We have no other option given the ongoing treason in our efforts to fight the enemy.”
Muyaya clarified that those who are found guilty of corruption and embezzlement of state funds will also be sentenced to death and executed, a departure from previous practices, due to the significant impact these crimes have on the country.
The Minister of Justice of the DRC, Rose Mutombo, recently informed all courts and the main military oversight body of the government’s decision. – IGIHE
