Sentences ranging from 20 years in prison to a death sentence were requested before the Military Court of Ituri Province sitting in a mobile court. The accusation relates to the supply of weapons to the Zaire militia by two elements of the Congolese National Police.
Last May, accusations of supplying weapons and ammunition to the Zaire militia were made in Mongwalu, a mining town north of Bunia. These allegations reported an alleged defection of part of the elements of the Congolese National Police.
Following these accusations, the military prosecutor’s office launched investigations to verify the facts. These investigations led to the presentation of the case before the military court.
During the pleadings, the public prosecutor requested the death penalty for the main defendant, Bokole Kile, for violation of instructions and embezzlement. For Atiaboli Amboko, a chief brigadier, a sentence of 20 years in prison for participating in an insurrectionary movement has been requested. For Dhebi Nakiri, a sentence of 5 years of main penal servitude was requested for loss of weapon.
The defense, for its part, disputed the charges against their clients, asking for their acquittal.
This case highlights the fight against armed groups in the Democratic Republic of Congo and the responsibility of law enforcement in the supply of arms and ammunition. She also stresses the importance of conducting thorough investigations to establish the truth and bring justice to the victims.
The results of this trial will have a significant impact on the fight against insecurity and the preservation of order in the Ituri region. It also underlines the will of the Congolese authorities to fight against impunity and to guarantee a fair and transparent judicial system.
It now remains to wait for the verdict of the military court which will decide the fate of the accused