The recent fallout from the debates of the States General of Justice in the Democratic Republic of Congo have sparked strong reactions within the magistrates’ unions. Brought together to discuss the challenges and prospects for improving the judicial system, these meetings have been criticized for their apparent theatricality and irregularities in their organization. The trade union organizations JUSI, SYNAMAG, SYNCHREMAG and SYMCO deplored in a joint press release certain aspects of this work, highlighting shortcomings that could compromise the objectives set.
One of the points raised by the unions is the composition of the audience, largely made up of members of political parties and students, to the detriment of key justice stakeholders such as the High Council of the Judiciary and civil society. Magistrates from the provinces have also received little support, while the functioning of the technical secretariat has been described as occult, thus fueling suspicion about the transparency of the debates.
The panelists’ interventions were sometimes disrupted by political and student activists, thus creating a climate not conducive to constructive exchanges. The general impression was that these general states were marked more by attacks on trade union magistrates than by a real dialogue aimed at finding solutions to the problems of the Congolese judicial system.
The magistrates’ unions also regret the low rate of execution of the resolutions of the previous general states, thus pleading for a real political will to implement the necessary reforms. They emphasize that this situation has only aggravated the dysfunctions already present within the Congolese justice system, thus compromising access to fair and effective justice for all citizens.
In the corridors where the debates took place, an atmosphere of disorganization reigned, disappointing the participants and outside observers. This tarnished image of the States General of Justice highlights the need for real consultation, increased transparency and consideration of the real issues to move the Congolese judicial system in the right direction.
In conclusion, the criticisms formulated by the magistrates’ unions underline the urgency of deep reforms to strengthen the independence of justice in the DRC and guarantee equitable access for all citizens. The difficulties encountered during these States General must serve as a lesson and encourage the authorities to take concrete measures to improve the functioning of justice in the country.