DRC Releases Polish Citizen Convicted of Espionage

The Polish Foreign Minister, Radek Sikorski, announced that Mariusz Majewski has been released by Congolese authorities and is now back in Europe. However, the exact location of Mr. Majewski was not disclosed.

Mr. Majewski, aged 52, was detained in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in February and subsequently faced charges of espionage in a military court within the country. Despite being sentenced to life imprisonment last week, no information has been provided regarding his current location.

Allegations against Mr. Majewski included unauthorized movement along the front line, taking photos of sensitive areas, and observing military activities secretly. These accusations were linked to his alleged association with the Mobondo militia, which has been involved in violent conflicts in the southwest of the DRC since 2022.

The Polish Foreign Ministry has maintained Mr. Majewski’s innocence, with President Andrzej Duda engaging in discussions with Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi to secure his release. Notably, Poland lacks a diplomatic presence in the DRC, complicating the situation further.

Recent statements from the Polish Foreign Ministry emphasized that Mr. Majewski is not a spy but a member of a travel club, pursuing his passion. The Ministry attributed his actions to a lack of understanding of local customs, distancing him from any espionage-related activities.

Earlier this month, the Congolese army reported thwarting a coup attempt and detaining several individuals, including foreigners. Among those arrested were American citizens, highlighting the complexity and sensitivity of the political situation in the region.