Resolution on the case of Jean-Jacques Wondo in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

The European Parliament adopted a resolution on the case of Jean-Jacques Wondo in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

The text adopted in plenary was tabled by the EPP, S&D, ECR, Renew and Greens/EFA groups.

Jean-Jacques Wondo, a Belgian-Congolese security, military and political expert, was invited to Kinshasa in February 2024 to lead reforms of the Congolese National Intelligence Agency (ANR). He was arrested after a failed coup on 19 May 2024, accused of being the ‘intellectual perpetrator’ despite maintaining his innocence. His conviction, alongside 36 others, was based on coerced testimony, and on 13 September 2024, they were sentenced to death by a military court in a trial criticised for violations of due process and the absence of credible evidence.

Wondo’s health has significantly deteriorated in custody, requiring urgent medical care. The DRC lifted its moratorium on the death penalty in March 2024, leading to an increase in death sentences, contradicting its international human rights commitments.

Parliament strongly condemned the sentencing to death of Wondo and others and the grave violations of their right to a fair trial. It urged the DRC Government to immediately overturn the death sentences, reinstate a moratorium on executions and take steps towards the full abolition of the death penalty. Members expressed deep concern about Wondo’s deteriorating health, calling for him to be given immediate access to medical treatment and insisting on his immediate release.

The resolution denounced the misuse of military courts to prosecute Wondo and called on the DRC to align its judicial practices with international and regional human rights commitments. The EU delegation in Kinshasa, the European External Action Service and the foreign affairs ministers of the Member States are urged to intensify their engagement with the DRC authorities, emphasising respect for human rights, judicial independence and the rule of law.

Lastly, Members called for the implementation of systemic reforms to rebuild the judicial system as an independent, fair and efficient institution that guarantees due process and the protection of fundamental rights.