The Rule of Law in the Democratic Republic of Congo: A Persistent Challenge
The rule of law, this concept symbolizing the reform of Justice in the Democratic Republic of Congo, is struggling to find its place despite the efforts made by President Félix Tshisekedi. In power for more than four years, the Head of State expressed his dissatisfaction with the record in the field of justice.
In an interview with his spokesperson Tina Salama, Félix Tshisekedi underlined his desire to see justice become a pillar for the elevation of the Congolese nation. However, he deplores the fact that the current justice seems to destroy rather than build the country. He claims to have done everything to share his vision with the heads of institutions, but he believes that the latter are not on the same wavelength.
The president is also accused of instrumentalizing justice by making arbitrary arrests to silence the voices opposing his power. However, Félix Tshisekedi denies any involvement in judicial decisions and claims to have the will to guarantee the independence of justice.
Criticisms of the judiciary are not new. In October 2022, during a meeting of the Council of Ministers, the president had already pointed out the judicial decisions which seemed to be taken at random. He had called for a rationalization of the action of justice to strengthen public governance and the rule of law. He had also challenged the Superior Council of the Judiciary to play its role of administrative and disciplinary regulation of the judiciary.
It is clear that reforms are needed to improve the judicial system in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Judicial decisions must be taken impartially and transparently, in order to build trust between the people and the judiciary.
The president instructed the Minister of Justice and Keeper of the Seals to work with the Superior Council of the Judiciary to propose rapid solutions. He also insisted on the role of the General Inspectorate of Judicial and Penitentiary Services in supporting the Ministry of Justice.
It is evident that the rule of law is a persistent challenge in the Democratic Republic of Congo. However, it is encouraging to see that the president recognizes the shortcomings and looks for ways to overcome them. An independent and impartial judiciary is essential to strengthen democracy and promote the country’s development