**The couple who own the Momo 19 hostel face justice**
On Monday July 15, Ephraïm Mugangu and Maguy Mata, owners of the Momo 19 hostel in Kinshasa, appeared before the garrison military court, in a mobile hearing at the Ndolo military prison, to answer charges linked to the attempted coup d’état that occurred on May 19. Accompanied by their staff, the manager, two waitresses and cleaners, the couple denied any involvement with Christian Malanga, considered one of the instigators of the attack.
The couple’s lawyers vigorously contested the charges against their clients, arguing there was a lack of concrete evidence directly linking the hostel owners to the attackers. They highlighted the haste with which the public prosecutor’s office conducted the investigation of the case, not allowing an adequate confrontation of the parties.
In a sincere statement, Maître Ikuku Bokeke Bienvenu, lawyer for the couple, expressed his confidence in the innocence of his clients and in the impartiality of the military court. He pleaded for justice to be done in accordance with fundamental principles, relying on the fact that the truth will emerge and that his clients will be acquitted.
The complexity of the case lies in the fact that the court must try a total of 51 people involved in the coup attempt, for various offenses such as terrorism, illegal possession of weapons, criminal association , among others. Over the course of the hearings, it appeared that the defendants have varied profiles, and that each must answer for their alleged role in this criminal enterprise.
Among those interviewed are foreign nationals, such as the Briton Youssouf Ezangi, considered a key player in the New Zaire movement, as well as Americans and a Belgian of Congolese origin. The court also heard testimony from people involved in the attackers’ logistics, highlighting the careful planning of the attack.
In conclusion, the Momo 19 hostel affair highlights the need for a thorough and transparent investigation to determine everyone’s responsibilities. The military tribunal must demonstrate rigor and impartiality to render a fair and equitable decision, respecting first and foremost the presumption of innocence of the accused.