The rule of law in the Democratic Republic of Congo: a persistent challenge
Since coming to power more than four years ago, President Félix Tshisekedi has been committed to reforming the Congolese justice system and promoting the rule of law in the country. However, despite this stated will, the reality on the ground remains worrying and the application of the rule of law is struggling to materialize.
In a recent interview, the Head of State expressed his frustration with the limited progress in the area of justice. He recognizes that justice is an essential pillar for the development of a nation, but deplores the fact that the current situation in the DRC seems to be destroying the country rather than advancing it.
Félix Tshisekedi has denied any involvement in judicial decisions, rejecting accusations that he is instrumentalizing justice to suppress critical voices and opponents. He claims to want an independent judiciary, but notes that reforms are necessary to achieve this.
Criticisms of the judiciary are not new. Since October 2022, President Tshisekedi has repeatedly highlighted a lack of consistency in judicial decisions, sometimes describing them as risky and theatrical. This situation fuels mistrust between the Congolese people and justice, and calls into question the impartiality and efficiency of the judicial system.
Faced with these findings, President Tshisekedi called for the strengthening of public governance and the rule of law. He asked the Superior Council of the Judiciary to work on the regulation and discipline of magistrates, while preserving their constitutional independence. He also insisted on the role of the General Inspectorate of Judicial and Penitentiary Services in this drive for reform.
It is undeniable that the DRC needs far-reaching reforms to ensure justice that is fair, transparent and respectful of human rights. This requires the promotion of judicial independence, the training of magistrates, the modernization of judicial infrastructures, and a more effective fight against corruption and impunity.
In conclusion, while President Tshisekedi shows his desire to reform the Congolese judicial system and promote the rule of law, many challenges remain. The application of the rule of law in the DRC requires concerted action and profound reforms. Only these measures will allow independent, impartial justice at the service of the Congolese people