Since early October, Congo’s presidential protection force has launched an operation against criminal gangs of machete-weilding teens known locally as ‘bebe noir’ or black babies.
The groups have been spreading terror in the country’s major cities for several years, attacking and robbing businesses and homes.
While many support the crackdown, some deplore the methods used after shocking images of summary executions went viral on social media.
Human rights activists have denounced what they call a dangerous drift that tramples on the Congolese constitution and the country’s international commitments.