Fighting terrorism in the Democratic Republic of Congo

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), formerly considered vulnerable to terrorist financing, now faces internal terrorist threats. This shift is linked to the emergence of active terrorist groups that are jeopardising national security. To combat this growing threat, the Congolese legal framework is based on the Military Penal Code and Law No. 22/068 of 27 November 2022 on money laundering, terrorist financing and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. Specialised institutions are also in place. Despite this framework, the effectiveness of the fight remains hampered by gaps in the legal texts and institutional challenges. In March 2024, the DRC lifted its moratorium on the death penalty in order to intensify the fight against terrorism, a reform that has attracted attention and sparked debate about its effectiveness and impact on human rights. In this context, it is imperative to reassess and adapt the DRC's legal response to this growing threat.