Deputy Edouard Mwangachuchu is currently on trial before the High Military Court in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The charges against him include the illegal possession of a weapon of war, as well as alleged links with rebel groups. The defendant stated that the weapon in question was intended for self-defense, for which he had obtained authorization from the Ministry of the Interior. However, the prosecutor considers that the weapon is a weapon of war which cannot be possessed without the order of the Head of State.
The High Military Court demanded that Mwangachuchu provide an authorization to carry firearms to establish the legality of his possession. Despite the self-defense firearm registration certificate signed by the former Minister of the Interior and Security Richard Muyej available to the defendant, the court requires the authorization to carry a firearm , which must precede any registration procedure.
The trial continues and the charges weigh heavily on the defendant. He is accused of participating in an insurrectionary movement, of illegally possessing munitions of war, of maintaining links with rebel groups, in particular the M23, and of inciting the military to commit acts contrary to their duty and their discipline. .
The ongoing procedure is further proof of the challenges facing the DRC in terms of maintaining security and combating insurgent movements. The country has experienced persistent unrest in recent years, which has hampered development efforts and caused loss of life and displacement of populations. The Mwangachuchu case also highlights the importance of strong law enforcement to ensure security and peace in the country.