A new report by Amnesty International has revealed a worrying trend in Sub-Saharan Africa, where the number of executions carried out in 2025 declined, but death sentences increased sharply across several countries.
According to the report, countries including the Democratic Republic of Congo, Nigeria and Sudan recorded a significant rise in death penalty convictions.
The report also notes that some African governments are debating the reintroduction or expansion of capital punishment, arguing that it is necessary to tackle terrorism, violent crime and growing security threats.
Human rights organisations, however, continue to question the effectiveness of the death penalty and warn about its impact on justice and human rights.
Legal expert and President of the Associação Mentes Resilientes, Gerson da Silva, says the growing number of death sentences reflects deeper political and security challenges facing several African countries.
“Many governments are increasingly linking harsh punishments to national security and public safety. But the debate around the death penalty also raises important questions about human rights, justice systems and whether these measures truly help reduce violence and crime,” Silva said.
–ChannelAfrica–
