**Fatshimetrie: Diving into the issues of the Permanent People’s Tribunal in the DRC**
In the heart of Kinshasa, a historic meeting marked the beginning of the process aimed at establishing the first edition of the Permanent People’s Tribunal for cases related to the Democratic Republic of Congo. Organized by the coalition of civil society organizations for the monitoring of reforms and public action (Corap), this event symbolizes a quest for justice and dignity for communities often affected by the activities of extractive companies.
The mineral and natural wealth of the DRC is indisputable, abounding in some fifty minerals of which only a minority is exploited. However, this financial windfall does not really benefit the Congolese population as a whole. Nearly 200 mining companies operate in the country, but the positive effects seem to bypass local communities, victims of social, economic, environmental and climatic injustices perpetrated by multinationals eager for profits.
The Permanent Peoples Tribunal is not a traditional judicial institution, but rather an opinion platform allowing impacted communities to defend their violated rights in front of a panel of experts. The decisions rendered will serve as levers to challenge national and international authorities in favor of these marginalized populations.
In a context where the exploitation of natural resources raises considerable issues, the Coordinator of the African Human Rights Association, Maître Jean Claude Katende, insists on the need for responsible management of these riches. Natural resources can be a blessing or a curse, depending on how they are exploited and shared. The decisions emanating from the Permanent Peoples Tribunal could inspire new policies and practices for more equitable and sustainable management of resources in the country.
The initiative of the Permanent Peoples Tribunal in the DRC stems from the recommendations made during previous sessions in the Southern Africa region, highlighting the situation of communities such as INGA. Founded in 1979 in Bologna, Italy, the Permanent Peoples Tribunal embodies a quest for justice independent of state and economic interests, responding to the legitimate demands of populations who are victims of various abuses.
Beyond a simple judicial process, the Permanent Peoples Tribunal offers a glimmer of hope to restore a social and environmental balance that is too often precarious. By giving a voice to the voiceless, by defending the rights of the oppressed, this initiative could be the catalyst for profound and lasting change for Congolese communities and beyond.