The absence of judges in the courts of Maniema province gives rise to serious concern, highlighted by the NGO Haki za Binadamu. This local human rights organization denounces the ineffectiveness of justice in the region, highlighting the denial of justice faced by litigants.
According to Raphaël Upelele Lokenga, executive secretary of the NGO, none of the seven peace courts is operational in the province of Maniema. Criminal cases are postponed sine die, leaving citizens without recourse. In the absence of magistrates to rule, access to justice, a fundamental right, is compromised.
This worrying situation risks not only negatively affecting citizens’ confidence in the judicial system, but also undermining the rule of law. Faced with this alarming dysfunction, the competent authorities, in particular the higher council of the judiciary, are called upon to assign a sufficient number of judges to each jurisdiction in Maniema and thus restore the functioning of the courts.
The urgency of this situation lies in the need to guarantee fairness and access to fair justice for all litigants in the province. The lack of judicial personnel compromises not only the resolution of disputes but also the credibility of the judicial system as a whole.
It is essential that concrete measures are taken quickly to remedy this crisis of justice and guarantee respect for the fundamental rights of the citizens of Maniema. Only effective and fair justice can restore citizens’ confidence in judicial institutions and ensure respect for the rule of law in the region.