While proclaiming his innocence, his sentence was reduced to 20 years of imprisonment during which he continuously contested the accusations. After ten years, he was granted presidential pardon in March 2019.
His commitment to justice and fundamental rights has made him the target of multiple pressures, even after his release. Indeed, he continues to face numerous intimidations due to his activist activities. His story reflects the persistent challenges faced by human rights defenders in many regions of the world.
Next week will be an opportunity for Mr. Yangambi Libote to meet with high-level political figures and participate in several civil society initiatives, especially with young people. Join us on Monday, April 8th at 7:00 PM at the House of the Bar Association, 2 Rue de Harlay, Paris, to hear his testimony as well as the intervention of Marie-Lina Perez, Africa-Asia Manager at ECPM, who will discuss the decision of the Congolese authorities to lift the moratorium on executions (free entry, reservation required at education@ecpm.org).
The lifting of the moratorium on executions in the DRC will be a central issue of Mr. Yangambi Libote’s visit
The presence of Me. Yangambi Libote is significant within a particular context in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Indeed, in a statement broadcasted on February 5, 2024, during the 8 p.m. edition of the national television news, the High Defense Council requested the Supreme Commander of the FARDC and the President of the Democratic Republic of Congo to lift the moratorium on the executions of death row prisoners, which was in place since 2003.
During the Council of Ministers on February 9, the State Minister requested the government to take note of this request. On March 13, the Ministry of Justice officially lifted the moratorium. This decision is of paramount importance; currently, more than 800 death row inmates are detained in prisons across the DRC, awaiting for execution.
In this context, the presence and testimony of Me. Yangambi Libote hold particular significance, providing an opportunity to raise awareness about the consequences of such a political decision.
