Death Penalty Imposed for Failed Coup Participants in DRC
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has announced that the death penalty will be enforced for those convicted of participating in the failed coup attempt on Sunday, May 19, in Kinshasa. The attackers, dressed in military uniforms and armed, aimed to overthrow President Félix Tshisekedi.
“This attempt involved foreigners and Congolese,” stated Congolese army spokesperson General Sylvain Ekenge.
The acts committed by the insurgents are classified as high treason, espionage, and participation in an insurrectional movement. In response, the Congolese authorities, through a circular dated March 13, 2024, have decided to lift the moratorium on the death penalty in the DRC. Consequently, if convicted and after all appeals are exhausted, the insurgents will face execution.
The decision to lift the moratorium on the death penalty has met with resistance from several international NGOs, who continue to express their disapproval.
