Magistrates in the Democratic Republic of Congo recently raised a scandal of fraud and falsification in the general report of the Estates General of Justice. During an extraordinary meeting to discuss the results of these Estates General, which was held at the Palace of Justice, the magistrates expressed their indignation at the report that they considered to be corrupt.
The president of the Autonomous Union of Magistrates of Congo (SYNAMAC), Edmond Isofa, denounced the non-respect of the votes taken in plenary to validate the resolutions of each workshop. He stressed that the editorial team responsible for the report did not take these votes into account, which angered the magistrates present. The latter decided to take measures by filing a complaint against the author of the incriminated report.
Two reforms in particular have angered the magistrates: the restructuring of the High Council of the Judiciary and the abolition of the higher visa. These changes are seen as an attack on the independence of the judiciary and the balance of power within the Congolese judicial system.
According to Edmond Isofa, the meeting of magistrates aimed to propose solutions to reform a judicial system in crisis. The magistrates believe that it is necessary to change the composition of the High Council of the Judiciary in order to guarantee fair justice for all citizens. They stress that the current privileges and legal obstacles hinder the proper functioning of justice in the DRC.
The unions JUSI, SYNCHREMAC, SYNAMAC and SYMCO have been mandated to take union action by seizing the competent authorities to request legal action against those who falsified the report of the Estates General of Justice.
This case raises crucial questions about the integrity of the judicial system in the DRC and highlights the challenges faced by magistrates in the exercise of their functions. Congolese citizens now expect clear answers and concrete actions to guarantee the independence and impartiality of justice in their country.