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resolution motion, 20 January 2025

On the Case of Jean-Jacques Wondo in the Democratic Republic of Congo

Motion B-10-2025-0078 · (2025/2510(RSP))

on behalf of the Renew Group · Rapporteur: Bernard Guetta, Petras Auštrevičius, Oihane Agirregoitia Martínez, Malik Azmani, Dan Barna, Olivier Chastel, Svenja Hahn, Karin Karlsbro, Ľubica Karvašová, Ilhan Kyuchyuk, Nathalie Loiseau, JanChristoph Oetjen, Urmas Paet, MarieAgnes StrackZimmermann, Hilde Vautmans, Lucia Yar

On Parliament’s site PDF Word

AI:In short

The resolution condemns the death sentence of Jean-Jacques Wondo and 36 others in the Democratic Republic of Congo, citing unfair trial and human rights concerns. It urges the DRC to reinstate the death penalty moratorium, commute sentences, release Wondo if no credible evidence, and provide medical care. It calls on EU institutions to engage with DRC authorities on human rights and rule of law.

Key points

  1. Condemns the sentencing to death of Jean-Jacques Wondo and 36 other detainees.
  2. Recalls that the EU opposes the death penalty in all circumstances and is committed to its universal abolition.
  3. Urges the DRC Government to reinstate the moratorium on the death penalty and commute all death sentences.
  4. Expresses grave concern at the lack of credible evidence and violations of Wondo's right to a fair trial; insists on his release unless reliable evidence is provided.
  5. Urges DRC authorities to provide Wondo with immediate medical attention due to his deteriorating health.
  6. Urges DRC authorities to respect detainees' human rights and refrain from ill-treatment and torture.
  7. Calls on EU institutions to engage with DRC authorities on human rights, rule of law, and independence of prosecution and judiciary.

Who is affected

  • Jean-Jacques Wondo and 36 other detainees sentenced to death in the DRC.
  • DRC Government and authorities, who are urged to reinstate the moratorium, commute sentences, and ensure fair trials.
  • EU institutions, called on to engage with DRC authorities on human rights.

Figures and deadlines

  • 36 other detainees sentenced to death alongside Wondo.

Written by AI from the full text · every figure comes from the text · ¶ opens the paragraph · 4 Sept 2026 · Report a problem

Full text

Text 21 paragraphs

B100078/2025

Motion for a European Parliament resolution on the Case of Jean-Jacques Wondo in the Democratic Republic of Congo

(2025/2510(RSP))

The European Parliament,

having regard to Rule 150 of its Rules of Procedure,

whereas Jean-Jacques Wondo, a Belgian-Congolese political, security and military expert, arrived in Kinshasa in February 2024 at the request of Colonel Lusadisu in order to reform and humanise the Congolese National Intelligence Agency (ANR), known for longstanding abuses;

whereas following a failed coup d’état on 19th May 2024, Wondo was arrested and accused of being the “intellectual perpetrator” of the attempt, despite consistently maintaining his innocence; whereas on September 13, 2024, Wondo was sentenced to death by a military court in a process during which human rights organizations have raised serious concerns about the trial, highlighting issues of fairness, lack of credible evidence, and violations of due process;

whereas the evidence against Wondo was weak, relying on the testimony of a hotel receptionist linking him to Christian Malanga, the alleged coup leader who was killed during the attempted coup;

whereas the receptionist was never present in court to testify and the prosecution claimed he had disappeared; whereas recent developments revealed that he had been secretly abducted, imprisoned, and tortured by public prosecutors to coerce false testimony against Wondo;

whereas during Wondo’s current appeal at the military tribunal, the receptionist publicly disclosed these abuses, casting serious doubt on the integrity of the prosecution and suggesting that Wondo was the victim of a retaliation within the Congolese intelligence services;

whereas Wondo’s case underscores concerns about judicial fairness and human rights in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), with fears that political machinations are obstructing justice;

whereas the DRC lifted a moratorium on the death penalty in March 2024, leading to a sharp increase in death sentences;

Read the rest (9 paragraphs)

whereas Wondo’s health is further deteriorating and he urgently needs medical attention.

Strongly condemns the sentencing to death of Jean-Jacques Wondo and 36 other detainees;

Recalls that the European Union categorically opposes the death penalty in all circumstances and is committed to its universal abolition;

Urges the DRC Government to introduce an immediate reinstatement of the moratorium on the use of the death penalty as a step towards abolishing and to commute all death sentences;

Expresses grave concern at the lack of credible evidence and apparent violations of Wondo's fundamental right to a fair and impartial trial; Insists for the immediate release of Mr Wondo unless reliable evidence of his alleged guilt is provided;

Expresses serious concern regarding his health; Urges the DRC authorities to provide him with immediate medical attention;

Urges the DRC authorities to ensure respect for the human rights of detainees in accordance with their obligations under international law, and to refrain from ill-treatment and torture;

Calls on the European institutions to actively engage with the DRC authorities, emphasizing the need to respect human rights, uphold the rule of law, and ensure independence of the prosecution and judiciary;

Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Commission, the Council, and the DRC authorities.