Designation of Four Nationals of the Democratic Republic of the Congo Under the Global Criminal Justice Rewards Program for the Murder of a U.S. Humanitarian Worker

The Department of State is designating four nationals from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) under the Global Criminal Justice Rewards Program (GCJRP). Evariste Ilunga Lumu, Mérovée Mutombo, Gérard Kabongo, and Jean Kutenelu Badibanga are all wanted by the DRC High Military Court for, among other charges, the war crime of murder for their role in the 2017 killings of U.S. citizen and United Nations expert Michael Sharp, his UN colleague, and three DRC nationals who were assisting the experts in their work. Sharp, a U.S. citizen with a long history of humanitarian work, and Zaida Maria Catalán, a dual Swedish/Chilean national, were killed while investigating the conflict in the Kasai region between the Armed Forces of the DRC and an armed militia group, as well as allegations of UN sanctions evasion. This is the first reward proposal under the GCJRP for a war crimes trial taking place in a domestic court.

It is critical that the present whereabouts of Lumu, Mutombo, Kabongo, and Badibanga be determined and that they appear before the DRC High Military Court to face the charges against them. Lasting peace in the DRC depends on justice for victims and accountability for those responsible for human rights abuses and violations-both past and present. All those involved in violence should know that the United States remains committed to justice and accountability for atrocities, including against local civilians and international humanitarian workers. The United States has long supported various aspects of the justice sector in the DRC and has urged the investigation and prosecution of this case in particular. We welcome the High Military Court's decision to proceed, which sends a strong message that impunity for atrocity crimes in the DRC will not be tolerated.

Through the GCJRP, the Department offers rewards of up to $5 million for information that leads to the arrest, transfer, or conviction of certain foreign individuals who are wanted for war crimes, genocide, or crimes against humanity. The Program is one of the Department's foremost tools in fighting impunity for atrocity crimes worldwide and supporting justice institutions, having contributed to more than 20 cases and paid out more than $8 million over its lifetime. Those with information on the whereabouts of these four alleged perpetrators should contact the Global Criminal Justice Rewards Program by WhatsApp or text message at +1-202-975-5468 or by email at [email protected]. The identity of anyone providing information will be kept strictly confidential absent that person's express permission. The Program can also consider recommendations from the DRC High Military Court based on information provided directly to the Court. For more information on the Global Criminal Justice Rewards Program, visit: https://www.state.gov/global-criminal-justice-rewards-program.