Title: Restoration of justice in the DRC: a call to action for a fairer judicial system
Introduction :
The conference on the restoration of justice, which was held recently in Lubumbashi, was an opportunity for judicial actors in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to become aware of the challenges weighing on the country’s judicial system. Organized by the NGO FLAG, this conference called on each member of the judiciary to play their role in resolving the problems that hinder access to fair justice. In a country marked by corruption and impunity, the participants made a commitment to put an end to anti-values and to restore the image of Congolese justice.
A call for individual and collective responsibility:
During the conference, participants underlined the importance for each judicial actor to respect their professional oath. Magistrates were called upon to comply with the law and uphold the law, while lawyers and other justice actors were encouraged to become actively involved in this dynamic of change. This individual and collective responsibility is considered essential to meet the challenges facing Congolese justice.
Fight corruption and impunity:
Corruption and impunity are scourges that undermine justice in the DRC. Participants strongly condemned these practices and pledged to get rid of them. They stressed that only honest and transparent justice can truly serve the interests of the population and restore confidence in the judicial system. The fight against corruption and impunity is therefore an absolute priority for the restoration of justice in the DRC.
Involvement of all stakeholders:
The conference also emphasized the importance of the involvement of all justice actors. Magistrates, lawyers, clerks, law enforcement and all those who contribute to the proper functioning of the judicial system were invited to work together to achieve this common goal. The restoration of justice in the DRC cannot be done without the participation of all.
Conclusion :
The conference on the restoration of justice in the DRC was a strong moment when judicial actors became aware of the issues and expressed their determination to act. With a call for individual and collective responsibility, they promised to put an end to corruption and impunity which tarnish the image of Congolese justice. The road to fair and transparent justice is still long, but this conference marks an important step in this direction. Restoring justice in the DRC is a major challenge, but with the will and commitment of all stakeholders, it is possible to create a more equitable judicial system that respects the rights of all citizens.