KINSHASA, Congo — In the past week, the Congolese government executed 102 men and has another 70 awaiting execution, according to a statement from Justice Minister Constant Mutamba to the Associated Press on Sunday.
The men, aged 18 to 35, were identified as armed robbers and “urban bandits,” commonly known as Kulunas. Executions were carried out at Angenga prison in northwest Congo, with 45 occurring in late December and 57 in the past 48 hours.
Additionally, 70 more individuals recently transferred from Kinshasa to Angenga prison remain in an uncertain status. Late Sunday, Mutamba confirmed the “third batch will be executed,” noting that the first two groups had already faced the death penalty.
The implementation of capital punishment has divided public opinion. Supporters argue it will help restore order and curb urban crime, while critics warn of the risks of abuse and human rights violations.
“We welcome this decision because it will help put an end to urban crime,” said Fiston Kakule, a resident of Goma in eastern Congo. “After 8 p.m., you can’t move around freely because of the fear of encountering a Kuluna.”
