“The thorny issue of young offenders in the Democratic Republic of Congo has sparked strong reactions within the human rights community. The recent threats of applying the death penalty to the “Kuluna” urban bandits arrested as part of the “Ndobo” operation have revived the debate on the effectiveness and humanity of the repressive measures taken by the Congolese authorities.
With this in mind, the human rights organization, La Voix des Sans Voix (VSV), issued a statement recalling that the right to life is the first of human rights and that the death penalty is contrary to all principles of respect for human dignity. The executive director of the NGO, Rostin Manketa, stressed that while condemning the acts of the Kulunas, it is essential to find alternatives to the death penalty to punish the perpetrators of serious human rights violations.
The VSV also welcomed the calls of Member States at the Universal Periodic Review in Geneva in favor of a moratorium on the death penalty in the Democratic Republic of Congo, stressing that the abolition of this practice would constitute a major step forward for respect for human rights in the country.
Faced with the resurgence of urban banditry in Kinshasa, the government launched Operation “Ndobo” to track down offenders and bring them to justice. While sentencing the perpetrators to death is being considered, questions remain as to the real effectiveness of such repressive measures. Indeed, previous operations such as “Likofi” and “Black Panther” have not succeeded in curbing the phenomenon in the long term.
Beyond punitive actions, many observers stress the importance of tackling the root causes of urban banditry, in particular the lack of prospects for Congolese youth. Massive investments in education, employment and social infrastructure are needed to provide young people with alternatives to delinquency and break the vicious circle of crime.
Ultimately, the fight against urban banditry in the DRC requires a comprehensive approach combining repressive measures and long-term prevention policies. Only concerted and inclusive action, respectful of the fundamental rights of all, will resolve this major challenge that hinders the development and security of the Congolese population.”
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