The government of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) has executed 102 individuals linked to street gangs, under a controversial initiative aimed at eradicating gang violence in the capital city, Kinshasa. The operation, codenamed “Operation Zero Kuluna,” is part of the government’s larger plan to dismantle the infamous “Kuluna” gangs, which have plagued Kinshasa with criminal activities for years.
According to official reports, 70 more individuals associated with the gangs are scheduled for execution, signaling the government’s determination to eliminate the gang problem in the city. The Kuluna gangs have been notorious for violent crimes, including robberies, assaults, and kidnappings, contributing to insecurity and chaos in parts of Kinshasa.
The mass executions have sparked widespread debate, with human rights organizations raising concerns about the legality and ethics of such measures. However, government officials defend the action as a necessary step to restore order in the city and ensure public safety. The executions were reportedly carried out in accordance with DR Congo’s legal framework, although critics argue that the rapid process may bypass due process rights.
This mass execution follows a series of military crackdowns and law enforcement operations targeting street gangs in Kinshasa. Authorities have promised that Operation Zero Kuluna will continue until the gangs are entirely eradicated, though the effectiveness and human cost of such an approach remain subjects of intense controversy.
