The affair of Jean Marc Kabund, former first vice-president of the National Assembly, continues to make headlines in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Recently, the Court of Cassation delivered its verdict, sentencing Kabund to 7 years of penal servitude, thus accumulating the sentences for all the offenses with which he is accused.
This decision was greeted with surprise and disappointment by Kabund’s defense, who had pleaded the absence of sufficient evidence for his conviction. His lawyer, Maître Kadi Diko, declared that this sentence was severe and regretted the verdict. Kabund himself was not present when the decision was read.
This case has sparked much debate and controversy. The charges against Kabund include contempt of the country’s institutions, including Parliament and the Government, as well as insulting the head of state. These charges stem from a statement made during a press conference in July 2022. His party, the Alliance for Change (A.ch), claims that Kabund is a “hostage” of the power in place and highlights irregularities in the processing of his file.
Beyond the facts of this case, the Kabund affair highlights questions of justice and policy in the Democratic Republic of Congo. A.ch activists and many observers are closely following this affair, which continues to generate much ink.
In conclusion, the Jean Marc Kabund affair continues to unleash passions in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The sentence to 7 years of penal servitude by the Court of Cassation sparked mixed reactions, with the defense contesting the evidence presented against Kabund. This case raises broader questions about justice and politics in the country, and its outcome will have a significant impact on the Congolese political landscape.