### A Victory for Human Rights: The Case of Jean-Jacques Wondo in the Context of International Justice
On 4 February 2025, Elio Di Rupo, former Belgian Prime Minister and Member of the European Parliament, expressed his joy at the announcement of the release of Jean-Jacques Wondo, a Belgian-Congolese expert who had previously been sentenced to death in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This announcement marks a significant step forward not only for individual justice but also for the promotion of human rights globally. However, this event is only one episode in a larger narrative where the issues of the legitimacy of judicial systems, international diplomacy and fundamental rights are intertwined.
#### Jean-Jacques Wondo’s journey: a symbol of legal struggles
Jean-Jacques Wondo, a military specialist, was tried in connection with an attempted coup d’état on 19 May 2024. His trial raised many questions about the principles of justice in the DRC, including respect for the rights of the accused and the validity of the evidence presented. While Wondo was reportedly convicted without solid evidence, his release can be seen as a symbol of the victory of voices speaking out against abuses of justice.
International pressure was crucial. Various NGOs, political actors and civil society representatives called on the Congolese government and demanded a review of the conviction. This underlines the growing importance of international solidarity in defending human rights. Enough to redefine the perception of justice as not only a local but also a global process, where shared values transcend borders.
#### The Belgian government’s response: a necessary diplomatic act
Belgium’s reaction, which considered Wondo’s conviction unfounded and even decided to temporarily recall its ambassador, shows a willingness not to remain passive in the face of injustice. Peer pressure diplomacy is a powerful tool. It recalls similar situations where European states have mobilized to defend their nationals, notably in cases involving allegations of human rights violations in Egypt or Turkey.
It is also essential to highlight the role of organizations such as the European Union, which, through their economic and political weight, can threaten economic or diplomatic sanctions against recalcitrant states. The EU has already been involved in similar cases, where member states have exerted great pressure for respect for human rights by addressing individual cases. An international justice mechanism is emerging in which each decision to release has the potential to send shockwaves across the world.
#### A reflection on the death penalty in a global context
Wondo’s release also raises critical questions about the death penalty, which is still applied in many countries. According to Amnesty International, approximately 56 countries maintain this practice, despite it being widely criticized for its ethical implications and human rights failings. Even in contexts where justice systems appear to function, the risk of miscarriages of justice remains, as illustrated by Wondo’s case. Paying the ultimate price for potentially unfounded charges illustrates the fragility of justice in tense environments.
By comparison, countries such as Canada or several European states have abolished the death penalty and are distinguished by a justice system focused on rehabilitation rather than punishment. The event of February 4 could thus fuel the debate on the abolition of the death penalty in the DRC, raising the question of whether retributive justice is really the solution for a country that aspires to peace and stability.
#### Conclusion: A victory to celebrate but challenges to overcome
The release of Jean-Jacques Wondo is an encouraging episode that demonstrates that international collaboration and collective mobilization can lead to change. However, this victory must serve as a springboard for a deeper reflection on the legal systems in place in the DRC and elsewhere. Elio Di Rupo’s commitment and the support of the international community are key elements in continuing to defend justice. The Wondo case highlights not only the injustices that persist, but also the importance of vigilance and action in favor of human rights, wherever they are threatened.
The future of justice and human rights depends on our collective actions, and it is imperative to ensure that similar events do not happen again, both in the DRC and around the world.