The case involving national deputy Édouard Mwangachuchu aroused great attention during the hearing held before the High Military Court on Tuesday, August 15, 2023. Indeed, Mwangachuchu is being prosecuted by the Auditor General of the Forces armies of the DRC for treason, participation in an insurrectionary movement, espionage and illegal possession of weapons of war.
After a long series of hearings during the investigation phase, the High Court said it was “sufficiently informed” on the case and decided to move on to the oral arguments of the parties. Maître Trésor Tendake, lawyer of the Republic, affirmed that the court was ready to render its conclusions and to take into account the indictment of the public prosecutor as well as the defenses of the two defendants.
However, Édouard Mwangachuchu’s lawyers expressed their disagreement with the conditions of impartiality of the investigation of the case. In particular, they highlighted the disparities in treatment between their requests for the appearance of witnesses and those of the other parties. Despite these criticisms, they pledged to fight with the means at their disposal, within the framework of the pleadings to come.
The case was adjourned to August 22 to allow the prosecution to present its indictment, the civil party to make its submissions, and the accused parties Mushamalirwa and Mwangachuchu to present their arguments.
Édouard Mwangachuchu and his co-defendant are suspected of having links with the M23 rebels. The charges against them are serious, ranging from treason to illegal possession of weapons of war.
This is a case that arouses the interest of many observers and which testifies to the political and security issues facing the DRC. The outcome of this trial will certainly have repercussions on the country’s political landscape and on the security situation in the region.
It is important to follow the progress of this case and to stay informed of future developments