Global executions on the rise as African states rethink capital punishment

As worldwide use of the death penalty reaches its highest level in almost a decade, plans by several African governments to reinstate executions are drawing criticism. © Amnesty International

While much of the world has left capital punishment behind, the most recent report by Amnesty International shows executions last year reached their highest level globally in almost a decade, while a number of African nations are considering reintroducing the death penalty.

A surge in executions, as reported by Amnesty International, has renewed debate over the death penalty – particularly in African nations including Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where governments are considering reintroducing capital punishment.