The issue of military justice in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) continues to spark lively debate among the population, judicial actors and researchers. The recent event at the University of Kinshasa, organized by the School of Thought in Criminal Law “Scire”, was an opportunity to address this burning issue in depth. The conference entitled “Congolese military justice: what reform to improve the administration of criminal justice?” brought together various perspectives and raised divergent opinions on the issue.
Professor Espoir Masamanki, a leading specialist and teacher of military criminal procedure, highlighted the importance of better understanding military justice among the Congolese population. It is undeniable that this branch of justice is often poorly perceived, or even unknown, by citizens. This is why initiatives such as this conference are essential to raise awareness and inform about the functioning and challenges of military justice.
During this meeting, a pre-survey conducted by Bertin Tshama, a doctoral student in anthropology, revealed the public’s harsh criticism of military justice. The criticisms raised, such as the slow processing of cases, aggressiveness during arrests and cases of torture, highlight the gaps and dysfunctions that persist within this specific judicial system.
The lively discussions within the conference highlighted the strengths and weaknesses of Congolese military justice. In particular, the two-headed nature of this institution, as a judge of both the military and the police, but also civilians, raises questions about real fairness and impartiality in the decisions rendered.
It is undeniable that reforms are necessary to modernize and make military justice in the DRC more effective. The calls from speakers and law students for a thorough revision of this system demonstrate a desire to improve and adapt to the current needs of Congolese society.
In conclusion, this conference-debate on Congolese military justice is a crucial step in the reflection and awareness-raising around this complex and often controversial subject. It is essential to continue communication and reform efforts to ensure a more transparent, equitable and efficient administration of criminal justice in the country.