In the troubled news of the Democratic Republic of Congo, the challenge of transitional justice occupies a crucial place. At a time when impunity for crimes in the eastern part of the country persists, the National Human Rights Commission (Cndh) stood up to propose bold measures during the States-General of Justice.
Paul Nsapu, President of the Cndh-DRC, stressed the urgent need to accelerate and make effective the transitional justice process. The latter is based on major pillars such as legal proceedings, reparations to victims, the search for truth and conciliation, as well as guarantees of non-repetition and the duty of remembrance.
Concerning legal proceedings, the creation of mixed or special chambers is proposed to avoid impunity for the perpetrators of international crimes. In addition, reparations for victims are welcomed, while recommending a strengthening of reparation mechanisms within the institutions dedicated to this task.
The search for truth and reconciliation is also highlighted, with the creation of dedicated commissions in conflict-affected regions. In addition, legislative reforms are suggested to remove individuals prosecuted for serious crimes from public office, thus ensuring measures of non-repetition.
The importance of the duty of remembrance is highlighted through commemorations and initiatives aimed at recalling past atrocities in order to prevent them from happening again. In a country marked by decades of violence and conflict, this collective memory is essential for healing the deep wounds of Congolese society.
During the Estates-General of Justice, Professor Luzolo Bambi also advocated for a strengthened fight against impunity and corruption by proposing the establishment of special commissions and financial brigades dedicated to these causes. These ambitious proposals aim to establish a climate of justice and transparency necessary for the consolidation of the rule of law in the DRC.
In short, transitional justice in the Democratic Republic of Congo represents a fundamental issue for stability and national reconciliation. The proposals made by the Cndh and other experts during the Estates-General of Justice offer solid avenues for a real transformation of the judicial system and the construction of lasting peace in the east of the country.