**Incursion into the Mai-Ndombe Court of Appeal: Destruction of archives and alarming situation**
During the night of Monday to Tuesday, November 12, the Mai-Ndombe Court of Appeal was the scene of a criminal act of unprecedented gravity. Individuals who have not yet been identified entered the premises of the court and methodically destroyed all the judicial archives. The President of the Court, Guillaume Mulumba wa Mulumba, expressed his dismay at this act of vandalism which resulted in the irreplaceable loss of many valuable files and documents.
According to President Mulumba’s statements, the destruction of the archives appears to be the work of an individual who was unhappy with the verdict rendered against him. This could potentially be a litigant who sought to erase any compromising trace against him by destroying the evidence. This action, orchestrated in an organized and targeted manner, raises fundamental questions about the security of judicial institutions and the protection of sensitive data.
The situation is all the more worrying given that the Mai-Ndombe Court of Appeal does not have police officers on duty to ensure the surveillance of the premises. This security breach facilitated the incursion of vandals and led to the massive destruction of archives. President Mulumba stressed the urgency of conducting a thorough investigation to identify those responsible for this criminal act and ensure justice for the injured parties.
This attack is tragically reminiscent of the incident that occurred in 2021, when the Attorney General at the Mai-Ndombe Court of Appeal was himself the victim of a violent attack by criminals. The impunity and insecurity that reign in the Mai-Ndombe region endanger not only the lives and integrity of magistrates and judicial officials, but also citizens’ access to fair and transparent justice.
In the face of this alarming situation, it is imperative that the competent authorities take concrete measures to strengthen the security of judicial institutions and ensure respect for the rule of law. The protection of judicial archives and the safety of magistrates must be top priorities to preserve the integrity of the judicial system and ensure citizens’ confidence in justice.
Pending the results of the ongoing investigation, it is crucial that immediate security measures be put in place to prevent further acts of vandalism and protect the integrity of the judicial institutions of Mai-Ndombe. Respect for the law and the protection of fundamental rights are essential pillars of any democratic society, and it is essential to do everything possible to preserve these fundamental principles in a region where justice is being tested more than ever.
By Jonathan Mesa, in Kikwit