Fatshimetrie, a leading publication for political news in the Democratic Republic of Congo, reported crucial information on Friday, December 20: the National Assemblies and the Senate are meeting in congress to appoint a new judge for the Constitutional Court. This extraordinary meeting is of paramount importance for the integrity and proper functioning of the judicial institution.
Indeed, the Congolese Constitutional Court is preparing to renew three of its judges in accordance with established constitutional provisions. These replacements are in line with the rotation cycle established to ensure the regular renewal of the members of the Court. The installation of the nine current judges in April 2015 marked the beginning of a nine-year non-renewable term, as provided for in Article 6 of the law on the organization and functioning of the Constitutional Court.
The departures of judges Jean-Paul Mavungu Mvumbi-di-Ngoma, Corneille Wasenda N’Songo and Noel’s replacement Kilomba Ngozi Mala, due to the end of their mandate, require the appointment of new members. However, questions remain regarding the succession of Kilomba Ngozi Mala, particularly concerning the choice between Dieudonné Kamuleta Badibanga, current President of the Constitutional Court, and Mrs. Alphonsine Kalume Asengo Cheusi. This uncertainty regarding the future composition of the Constitutional Court is giving rise to debates and questions within the Congolese political class.
The holding of this exceptional congress is therefore of capital importance for the institutional stability of the country. The choice of the new judge of the Constitutional Court will significantly influence the future decisions of this key institution of the Congolese judicial system. It is essential that this appointment be made in accordance with the independence and impartiality required to guarantee the credibility and effectiveness of the Constitutional Court in the exercise of its functions.
In conclusion, the appointment of the new judge of the Constitutional Court of the DRC is a major issue for the future of the institution and for the consolidation of the rule of law in the country. It is essential that this process be conducted in a transparent manner and in accordance with democratic principles in order to strengthen the confidence of the Congolese people in their judicial institutions.