The U.S. Department of State has announced the designation of four nationals from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) under the Global Criminal Justice Rewards Program (GCJRP), in connection with the 2017 murder of U.S. citizen Michael Sharp and his colleagues. The four individuals—Evariste Ilunga Lumu, Mérovée Mutombo, Gérard Kabongo, and Jean Kutenelu Badibanga—are accused of being involved in the killings of Sharp, a U.S. humanitarian worker, and his fellow United Nations expert, Zaida Maria Catalán, along with three DRC nationals assisting in their investigation.
Sharp, along with his colleague Catalán, was killed while investigating violent conflict in the Kasai region of the DRC in 2017. They were working to document human rights violations and possible UN sanctions evasion involving the DRC Armed Forces and an armed militia group. This incident marked a tragic chapter in the ongoing conflict in the region, and the U.S. government has long supported efforts to seek justice for the victims and hold perpetrators accountable.
Reward for Justice and Accountability
The U.S. State Department is offering rewards of up to $5 million for information that leads to the arrest, transfer, or conviction of any of the four individuals under the GCJRP. The initiative, which targets those wanted for war crimes, genocide, or crimes against humanity, is part of the U.S. government’s broader commitment to promoting accountability for atrocities and supporting justice mechanisms in conflict zones worldwide.
The murder of Sharp and Catalán has highlighted the risks faced by humanitarian workers in volatile regions. The United States remains steadfast in its pursuit of justice for these individuals and for others who suffer from violence, ensuring that those responsible are held accountable in a court of law.
This designation is the first reward proposal under the GCJRP for a war crimes trial being conducted in a domestic court. The DRC High Military Court has taken the crucial step of charging Lumu, Mutombo, Kabongo, and Badibanga with murder and war crimes related to their roles in the deaths of the humanitarian workers. The U.S. Department of State has praised the court’s decision to proceed with the trial, underscoring the importance of upholding justice and preventing impunity for crimes committed against both civilians and international workers.
A Call for Justice and Accountability
The U.S. State Department emphasized that justice for victims and accountability for those responsible for human rights abuses are crucial for achieving lasting peace in the DRC. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken expressed the U.S. commitment to ensuring that those who engage in violence, whether against civilians or international humanitarian workers, are held accountable for their actions.
“The United States stands firmly with the people of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and with the families of those whose lives were tragically taken. We are committed to supporting justice for all victims of violence in the region, including Michael Sharp and his colleagues,” Blinken said.
The GCJRP has been an important tool for advancing global justice, with more than $8 million awarded over the course of its existence to individuals providing critical information on war crimes and related atrocities. The U.S. Department of State encourages anyone with knowledge of the whereabouts of the four individuals to come forward, stressing that the identity of informants will be kept strictly confidential.
How to Provide Information
Anyone with information on the location of Evariste Ilunga Lumu, Mérovée Mutombo, Gérard Kabongo, or Jean Kutenelu Badibanga is encouraged to contact the Global Criminal Justice Rewards Program via:
- WhatsApp or text: +1-202-975-5468
- Email: gcjrp@state.gov
For more details on the Global Criminal Justice Rewards Program, visit: https://www.state.gov/global-criminal-justice-rewards-program.
The U.S. remains committed to combating impunity for atrocity crimes and ensuring justice is served for all victims, including both local civilians and international aid workers, as part of its broader global efforts to promote human rights and security.