Poland’s President Pushes For The Release Of Polish Traveler Jailed for Life In Congo

Polish President, Andrzej Duda, has called his Congolese counterpart, Felix Tshisekedi, to discuss the release of a Polish traveler sentenced to life in prison in Congo on espionage charges, according to an aide on Monday.

The Polisher traveler, Mariusz Majewski, 52, was arrested by Congolese forces in February and arraigned before a military court.

He was accused of spying after allegedly moving along an active military front line without authorization, taking photos of sensitive areas, and observing military activities.

The front line involved Mobondo militiamen, a group known for intercommunal violence in southwestern Congo since 2022.

Last week, Majewski was convicted and sentenced to life in prison. His current location remains undisclosed.

Duda’s aide, Wojciech Kolarski, did not reveal the outcome of the conversation between the two presidents but emphasised Poland’s responsibility to protect its citizens abroad.

Majewski’s family claims he is in poor health and insists he is merely a traveler.

Polish Foreign Ministry spokesman, Pawel Wronski, stated that Majewski “is not a spy, he is a member of a travelers club.” Wronski attributed Majewski’s situation to a lack of understanding of local customs.

Nevertheless, says the Foreign Ministry, Polish authorities are aware of Congo’s political instability, including a recent coup attempt, and hope Majewski will not be further implicated.

Poland has no diplomatic mission in Congo. Earlier this month, the Congolese army reported foiling a coup attempt, arresting the perpetrators, including several foreigners.

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