### Labyrinths of justice: when politics and law intertwine in Congo
The political context of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) continues to remind us that the border between justice and political maneuver can sometimes prove to be as vague as an morning fog. The recent declaration of the Common Front for Congo (FCC), denouncing the instrumentalization of military justice against the managers of the People’s Party for reconstruction and democracy (PPRD), raises a multitude of questions as to the integrity of the Congolese judicial system.
### A delicate political conjuncture
The invitation of several PPRD personalities, including vice-president Aubin Minaku and permanent secretary Emmanuel Ramazani Shadari, to the military auditor in Kinshasa arouses a shock wave within the Congolese political sphere. These summons are accompanied by serious accusations of complicity with the M23 movement, a rebellion which, let us remember, is often associated with Rwandan interests in the region. This situation exacerbates the already palpable tensions between the current power of Etienne Tshisekedi and former President Joseph Kabila, whose FCC denounces an orchestrated demonization campaign to weaken his political heritage.
### A right to presumption: value or fassade?
At the heart of the debate emerges the crucial question of respect for fundamental rights, and in particular that of the presumption of innocence. According to the FCC, the press release issued by the cabinet of the Minister of Justice not only despised this presumption, but also jeopardizes the secret nature required during the pre-jurisdictional investigation. This type of judicial mechanism recalls the excesses of power observed in authoritarian regimes, where civil rights are often relegated to the background when it comes to displaying an apparent firmness in the face of the opposition.
### Statistics and history
The implications of such actions are not only theoretical. According to human rights organizations, the DRC remains one of the countries most affected by fundamental rights violations in Africa. In 2020, more than 200 cases of restrictions on freedom of expression were documented, while the climate of persistent fear often leads the judgment of the magistrates. Thus, this case of the leaders of the PPRD is part of a larger dynamic where justice becomes an instrument at the service of political protest.
## Propaganda policy
A retrospective analysis of recent political events shows a marked trend towards the systematic demonization of political adversaries. Historically, authoritarian regimes have resorted to the strategy of denunciation to isolate and discredit the opposition. The accusations made against Joseph Kabila and his relatives seem to be part of this line. By designating Kabila as the “king” of hateful propaganda, the Tshisekedi president seems to instrumentalize racial and ethnic tensions, thus contributing to a climate of dangerously perpetual distrust.
### Outlook for the future
As the country is approaching the next elections, the question is the following: will the judicial system continue to be used as a tool for political repression? The FCC and the PPRD appear to be clearly determined to defend what they consider as an attempted intimidation on the part of the State, especially since these accusations of complicity with the M23 are deployed on already fragile foundations.
In the current state of things, the DRC is found at a crossroads. The current developments risk impact on not only its political stability, but also on the perception of justice as an institution. To restore confidence, it will be imperative that the government will adopt a more transparent and honest approach, guaranteeing the separation of powers and respect for fundamental rights.
### Conclusion
While this highly political judicial soap opera is developing, the attention of observers will be focused on how the government and the judicial system will manage these legitimacy crises. A real democracy must be based on transparency and respect for the rights of all, even those who oppose power. In the end, the hopes of a stable future in the DRC are at the crossroads of a sincere dialogue and a mutual respect for judicial and political institutions.