The original article talks about the complaint filed by Me Alexis Deswaef, lawyer for the family of Chérubin Okende, against General Christian Ndaywel, deputy chief of staff in charge of Congolese military intelligence. The complaint is filed in Brussels, Belgium, because General Ndaywel obtained Belgian nationality in 2005 after residing in the country for several years.
The complaint is motivated by suspicions surrounding the role of General Ndaywel in serious crimes committed abroad. According to Belgian law, a Belgian citizen can be prosecuted in Belgian courts if he is suspected of having played a role in serious crimes committed abroad. Faced with the inaction of the Congolese authorities, Okende’s family decided to file a complaint in Belgium so that the matter could be seriously investigated.
Me Alexis Deswaef underlines that even if General Ndaywel renounces his Belgian nationality, he will still be able to be prosecuted because the facts will be taken into account at the time they were committed. Extradition is also possible.
The murder of Chérubin Okende, former MP for Lukanga, remains unsolved. His body was found in his vehicle in Kinshasa in July, and this case sparked heated controversy.
The complaint filed in Belgium opens new perspectives in the investigation into the death of Chérubin Okende and highlights the links between Belgium and the Democratic Republic of Congo. This case also highlights the importance of cooperation between different countries to fight impunity and ensure justice is done for crimes committed abroad.
It remains to be seen how the Belgian authorities will handle this matter and whether an in-depth investigation will be carried out to shed light on the circumstances surrounding the death of Chérubin Okende and possibly the possible responsibilities of General Ndaywel.
In conclusion, the complaint filed in Belgium against General Christian Ndaywel by the family of Chérubin Okende opens new perspectives in the investigation into this unsolved murder and highlights the importance of international cooperation to fight impunity. The case also highlights the links between Belgium and the Democratic Republic of Congo and the importance of fair justice for crimes committed abroad.