** Judicial reform in the Democratic Republic of Congo: Towards a tangible masterful independence? **
On April 1, 2025, Félix Tshisekedi marked a significant turning point in the judicial landscape of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) with the appointment by order of 2,500 new magistrates. An ambitious initiative, which, although commendable, raises questions about the real autonomy of the magistracy. By opening the ordinary session of the Superior Council of the Magistracy (CSM) this Monday in Kinshasa, Tshisekedi not only took the reins of this institution, but also (re) defined expectations towards a judicial system in search of confidence.
### Independence to reconsider
In his speech, President Tshisekedi urged magistrates to see their independence not as a privilege, but as a sacred responsibility for justice and the fundamental rights of the Congolese. However, this independence is often plagued by political and economic pressures. The observers will note that the previous sessions of the CSM, which have often been held in extraordinary sessions, testify to a dynamic where the executive power seems to have the stranglehold on an institution supposed to be more autonomous. This change towards an ordinary session could mean a political will to restore the coat of arms of a judicial power often criticized for its slowness and partiality.
### The figures speak for themselves: the state of the judicial system
To bring a perspective on the current situation of the judicial system in the DRC, it is interesting to consider statistics. According to the World Bank report on Governance in Central Africa in 2023, the DRC ranks among countries with the highest levels of judicial corruption. 75% of Congolese, according to this study, believe that the judicial system does not defend their rights or their security.
The imposing number of new magistrates, although promising, does not necessarily solve the problem of fair justice. Statistics also indicate that the magistrates/citizens ratio in the DRC is 1 for 23,000, while the average in other African countries amounts to 1 for 6,000. These figures highlight not only the extent of the work to be performed, but also reveal that the influx of new magistrates must be accompanied by adequate training and improved working conditions.
### Insurance and protection of magistrates: a step forward, but …
The organization of the health and funeral insurance of the magistrates, hailed by Tshisekedi as a major advance, must be placed in a broader context. Although this shows a desire to protect those who are supposed to be the guards of justice, it is essential to question whether these measures are sufficient to avoid compromises. The magistrates must be able to exercise their functions being immune to threats, whether financial, physical or legal. Thus, security and moral support are just as crucial as material insurance.
### The voice of the actors: a committed dialogue
The commitment of a figure like Me Jean Claude Katende, president of the African Association for the Defense of Human Rights (Asadho), in discussions around this session, is essential. Catekende pleaded for a system that is not only reactive but proactive in the face of human rights challenges. His contribution to the debate will be of paramount importance to ensure that the new judicial staff is not only a number, but a paradigm change in the way in which justice is done in the DRC.
### A real challenge for the future
The 10 days of work planned for this CSM session are a golden opportunity to establish a roadmap in favor of a reformed and efficient magistracy. The challenge remains size: how to transform promises into concrete results, both for magistrates and for litigants? The DRC is at a crucial crossroads where the restoration of confidence in its judicial system could not only influence political life, but also the economic and social stability of the country.
The Congolese judicial system is therefore at the crossroads, and the involvement of the head of state in judicial affairs can be perceived as a daring act, provided that it is followed by significant reforms. The ordinary CSM session may well become a catalyst for a new era of justice, but it will only depend on the capacity of magistrates to transcend political interests and to devote itself fully to their mission. Congolese compatriots need more than promises: they claim true justice that protects their rights and guarantees fundamental freedoms.