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Urban banditry in the Democratic Republic of Congo, particularly in the capital city of Kinshasa, has reached alarming levels in recent years. Organized gangs, commonly referred to as “Kulunas,” have instilled fear among the population through acts of violence, murder, assaults, and armed robberies. While their activities are a recent phenomenon in their current form, they trace their roots to the “Pombas,” a group of delinquents active in the 2000s, known for their brutal crimes often committed with machetes. Victims were mutilated or killed if they resisted, leaving a legacy of fear that the Kulunas have since perpetuated.

In response to the growing insecurity, the Congolese government has launched a sweeping crackdown. The “Zero Kuluna – Ndobo” operation has resulted in the mass arrest of suspects who have faced swift trials. Since December 2024, eleven trials have been conducted, leading to harsh sentences, including the death penalty for several individuals.

During a press conference held on January 6, 2025, the Minister of Justice confirmed that 102 convicted individuals had been executed at Angenga Prison in the country’s northwest, with another 70 prisoners awaiting execution. Those executed, aged 18 to 35, were identified as armed robbers and gang members. This wave of executions underscores the government’s aggressive approach to restoring security in urban areas, even at the cost of employing controversial capital punishments.

The government’s stance has sparked mixed reactions. While some citizens praise the firm measures taken to curb violence, human rights organizations, both national and international, have expressed grave concerns. They criticize the expedited trials and warn of potential abuses, including extrajudicial executions. Calls for adherence to proper judicial procedures and fundamental rights have grown louder, with critics cautioning against the risk of political interference leading to wrongful convictions and arbitrary executions.

The death penalty remains a contentious issue in the DRC, a nation still recovering from decades of conflict. Many view the rise of urban banditry as a direct consequence of war, exacerbated by dire socio-economic conditions. Human rights advocates stress the importance of addressing underlying factors such as poverty, unemployment, and social exclusion, which often fuel criminal activity.

This ongoing debate raises a fundamental question: Can violence effectively eradicate violence, or should more structural and inclusive solutions be sought to build a peaceful society?

Rev. Fr. George Nwachukwu
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