Recent discussions during the Estates General of Justice highlighted key issues for the judicial system in the Democratic Republic of Congo, through the interventions of two eminent lawyers: Mr. Ruffin Lukoo and the President of the Bar Papy Keta. Their cross-analyses on international criminal justice and the free national justice system highlighted crucial aspects requiring in-depth reflection and urgent reforms.
Mr. Ruffin Lukoo highlighted the need to guarantee the effectiveness of the free national justice system, a principle enshrined in the constitution. He pointed out the widespread practice according to which money remains a determining criterion for obtaining judicial services, which goes against the right to accessible justice for all. For him, it is imperative to find concrete solutions to eliminate this financial barrier and ensure truly equitable justice for all citizens.
For his part, the president of the bar association Papy Keta questioned the effectiveness of the execution of international justice decisions in the Democratic Republic of Congo, emphasizing the need for a deterrent effect to prevent the perpetuation of international crimes on the ground, despite the prosecutions initiated. He highlighted the importance of the rapid and effective execution of decisions to strengthen the deterrent effect of international criminal justice.
At the same time, the Estates General of Justice also raised the issue of revising the constitution to modernize the Congolese legal framework, in order to better respond to current challenges. After several days of debates and reflections, the participants are now moving towards the final phase of the work, where the proposals and resolutions discussed will be formatted for better practical application.
These exchanges between experts in the legal field highlight the complex challenges facing the Congolese judicial system and underline the need to undertake significant reforms to guarantee the fairness and effectiveness of justice for all citizens. The events taking place during these general meetings offer a unique opportunity to rethink and strengthen the judicial system in the Democratic Republic of Congo, for a more just and equitable society.