The Centre for Legal Reflection to Combat Impunity (CRJLI) recently raised a worrying case concerning Congolese entrepreneur Mboyo Ilombe, also known as Pelé Mongo. After being acquitted by the Kinshasa-Gombe Peace Court, Pelé Mongo is still detained in Makala Central Prison, awaiting authorization from the Ministry of Justice for his release.
This situation, denounced by the CRJLI, raises a series of questions about respect for the independence of the judiciary and the procedures in force in the country. Franck Kalolo, the CRJLI coordinator, strongly criticized this prolonged detention and called for personal intervention by the President of the Republic to resolve this case. He stressed that the decisions of judges must be respected and executed in the name of the Head of State, and that any political interference in the judicial process is unacceptable.
Furthermore, Franck Kalolo announced his intention to sue the Acting Director of Kinshasa Central Prison for rebellion against the court decision. He called for fair and swift justice so that Pelé Mongo can finally regain his freedom, after more than four months of pretrial detention.
This case highlights the persistent challenges facing the Congolese justice system, particularly with regard to the rights of detainees and the effectiveness of legal procedures. Pelé Mongo’s acquittal is an important step, but it is crucial that this decision be respected and implemented without delay. The presumption of innocence and the right to a fair trial are fundamental principles that must be guaranteed for all individuals, regardless of their social status or political influence.
In conclusion, it is imperative that the competent authorities take the necessary measures to ensure full respect for court decisions and to guarantee the fundamental rights of all citizens. The Pelé Mongo case highlights the importance of the separation of powers and judicial independence in a democratic state based on the rule of law.