In a decision rendered during the hearing on Saturday June 1, 2024, the Military Court of the former Kasaï-Occidental took a position concerning the case of the deputy divisional commissioner of the Congolese National Police, General Polydore Omokoko, and Senator Hubert Mbingho, among ten other alleged perpetrators of appalling crimes committed during the Kamuina Nsapu and Bana Mura insurrections in the Kasai region.
The Court declared itself incompetent to judge these senior officers, thus inviting victims to turn to the competent court to obtain compensation. This development was welcomed with satisfaction by the defense, but left a bitter taste on the part of the victims’ lawyers who hoped to see those responsible held accountable for the suffering inflicted on many families.
It is undeniable that the events in Kamonia, particularly with the militia attack linked to the armed insurrection of Kamuina Nsapu and Bana Mura in 2017, have left deep scars in the community. Barbaric acts such as killings, looting, rape, torture and enforced disappearances were carried out against innocent civilians, disrupting the tranquility of the region.
The trial which was held before the military tribunal of the former Kasai-Occidental represented a step towards justice for the 119 victims involved in this case. Accompanied by the support of TRIAL International, PARJ 2 and the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA), this trial aimed to shed light on these heinous crimes and provide some form of reparation to the damaged victims.
It is essential to recognize the importance of justice and reparation for all those who suffered the devastating consequences of these violent acts. The path to healing and resilience of the Kasai community requires collective awareness and concrete actions to fight impunity and build a fairer future for all.
In a context marked by violence and abuse, it is imperative that justice is served to restore trust and ensure that such events do not occur again in the future. The path to reconciliation and peace involves recognizing victims and holding perpetrators accountable, in order to build together a better future for all.