Amnesty International has raised concerns over reports that more than 170 death row inmates have been transferred to Angenga prison in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) for potential execution. The organization warns of imminent mass executions and urges President Felix Tshisekedi to publicly halt the plans.
The DRC’s Justice Minister, Constant Mutamba, announced the transfer of inmates, aged 18 to 35 and accused of gang-related urban violence, as part of a crackdown on crime. Authorities claim that resuming executions after a two-decade pause will deter gang activity, though no evidence supports this assertion.
Amnesty International condemned the decision, citing the risk of unfair trials and inhumane conditions at remote prisons like Angenga, where detainees have previously died from starvation and disease. The organization calls for a moratorium on executions and for prisoners to be held in accessible facilities to ensure their rights are upheld.
The death penalty in the DRC has seen a resurgence, with military courts issuing an increasing number of death sentences since March 2024. Amnesty International continues to oppose the death penalty in all cases, advocating for its complete abolition.