The article included only some information on the Congolese government’s decision to lift the moratorium on the death penalty for perpetrators of high treason within the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC). However, it did not provide sufficient details on the planned sanctions against these traitors within the national security services.
In order to fill this gap, we interviewed Me Ruffin Lukoo, lawyer and legal researcher, to obtain more information on the consequences of this government decision. According to him, the Congolese government recognizes the seriousness of treason within the armed forces and considers the death penalty as a deterrent for soldiers tempted to commit acts of treason.
However, Me Ruffin Lukoo also emphasizes that the application of the death penalty is regulated by international human rights law and that it must respect certain conditions. The right to life is a fundamental and inalienable right, and any death penalty must be imposed in exceptional circumstances and be proportionate to the crime committed. Furthermore, the death penalty must not be applied in an arbitrary or discriminatory manner.
Regarding the sanctions reserved for traitors within the national security services apart from the death penalty, Me Ruffin Lukoo emphasizes that this will depend on the specific offenses committed by the individuals. Sanctions can range from demotion, suspension or dismissal to prison time depending on the severity of the treasonous acts committed.
In conclusion, the Congolese government’s decision to lift the moratorium on the death penalty for perpetrators of high treason within the FARDC raises debates and concerns about its application and compliance with international human rights standards. . It is essential that sanctions are fair and proportionate, while ensuring respect for the fundamental rights of each individual, even in cases of betrayal. However, the article does not mention specific cases of treachery within the FARDC nor does it provide concrete examples of sanctions already applied. It would therefore be interesting to refer to other sources and studies to explore this subject in more depth.