The four major magistrates’ unions most representative of the Democratic Republic of Congo recently expressed their disagreement with the resolutions resulting from the work of the Estates General of Justice for falsification. The Autonomous Union of Magistrates of Congo, Independent Justice, the Union of Magistrates of Congo and the Christian Union of Magistrates of Congo joined their voices to denounce the final report of these meetings, arguing that it does not faithfully reflect the realities of the judiciary as they were discussed during the workshops in committees.
This common position of the magistrates’ unions highlights a deep malaise within the Congolese judicial community. By filing a complaint against the authors of the report, including Aimé Kilolo who read it during the closing, these organizations are demanding real transparency and a fairer consideration of the issues that concern their profession.
The intervention of Jean-Marie Kabengela Ilunga, lawyer at the Kinshasa-Matete bar and dean of the bar, in support of the magistrates, reinforces the legitimacy of their demands. His support underlines the importance of guaranteeing the independence and integrity of the judicial system, an essential pillar of the rule of law.
As for the positive evaluation of the states general of justice by the judicial police officers (APJ), it raises questions about the divergent perception and understanding of the issues related to justice within the different components of the Congolese judicial system.
In its program “Fatshimetrie”, the magazine promoting rights and duties, directed by Jeef NGOY Mulonda, delves into the heart of these tensions and offers an in-depth analysis of the issues and challenges facing the Congolese justice system. By exploring different perspectives and giving voice to key players in the Congolese judicial world, “Fatshimetrie” offers an informed look at the current upheavals and aspirations for a more just and equitable justice system.
In a context where the independence and credibility of justice are essential for the consolidation of the rule of law in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the debates raised by magistrates’ unions reveal the crucial importance of guaranteeing a transparent, impartial and accessible judicial system for all citizens.