The death of Fiston Kabeya, Congolese police officer, which occurred on March 25, 2025, raises crucial questions both on police brutality and on interinstitutional relations in the Democratic Republic of Congo. This tragic event is not confined to a simple news item; It is part of a context where the struggle for equal rights and the preservation of human dignity remain major issues. Through the testimonies and reflections that emerge during the current trial in Kinshasa, this case opens the way to an analysis of practices within the police and a discussion on the way of building a fairer society. The responsibilities seem complex to identify, and the responses to be provided calls for a collective commitment on the part of all stakeholders, from institutions to citizens, in order to promote mutual respect and greater transparency in the interactions between the State and the population.
Category: Legal
The Bukanga Lonzo affair, which involves several political and economic figures of the Democratic Republic of Congo, raises complex questions about the transparency and integrity of public institutions. Initiated in 2013, this agro-industrial project, supposed to promote economic development, is now tainted with accusations of corruption and mismanagement. While the trial resumed before the Constitutional Court, it is essential to explore the implications of this case not only on the judicial level, but also on the perception of the rule of law and the confidence of the public towards institutions. In this context, the tensions around the progress of the trial and the reactions of the defendants take place within a broader debate on the independence of justice and the role of policy in judicial affairs. While the verdict is expected, this episode could become a catalyst to discuss potential reforms of the Congolese judicial system, highlighting the interactions between the different actors of the country.
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is at a crucial crossroads in food security, an issue that takes on a particularly pressing dimension in the current context where nearly 28 million Congolese suffer from acute food insecurity. In this context, a bill to establish a legal framework for food security emerged, supported by parliamentarians and experts. This initiative raises important questions about the need for a legislative framework, improving intersectoral cooperation, as well as the country’s dependence on food products. The fight against malnutrition, with a worrying rate of infantile malnutrition, underlines the urgency of an adapted and coordinated response between the various actors. The success of this approach will depend on the mobilization of resources and a collective commitment in favor of sustainable food security and accessible for all.
In a context where the credibility of institutions and the security of official documents are of capital importance, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) undertake measures to counter the falsification of documents through a joint initiative of the Ministries of Justice and Foreign Affairs. Announced by the Minister of State Constant Mutamba, this operation aims to give new seals to the embassies and consulates abroad, a gesture deemed necessary in the face of the challenges encountered in the authenticity of the documents issued. By initially targeting key diplomatic representations, this approach is placed under the aegis of the fund to combat organized crime and could have significant repercussions on confidence in Congolese institutions. However, it also raises questions as to the effectiveness of such an isolated measure, especially since efforts of awareness and international cooperation could prove to be essential to really fight against counterfeiting. Beyond the operation itself, this project could initiate a broader reflection on the regeneration of public institutions in the DRC, thus affecting crucial issues such as transparency and responsibility.
In Kinshasa, capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo, the question of anarchic occupations raises complex and interconnected urban issues. In a context of rapid population growth – with more than 12 million inhabitants – and substantial urbanization, many citizens are looking for accommodation on occupied land without authorization. This phenomenon highlights the challenges encountered by local authorities to establish a rigorous legal framework, capable of regulating urban space while meeting the essential needs of vulnerable populations. The recent declaration of the Ministry of Town Planning and Habitat underlines the need for rules of rules which, if on the one hand aim to improve the organization of the city, must also be thought of in order to not compromise the rights of the inhabitants. The way in which this regulation will take place thus raises important questions about ethics, communication with citizens and the participation of local communities. This context offers an opportunity to reflect on the concepts of city rights and sustainable development, in a quest for balance between regulation and inclusion.
In the Democratic Republic of Congo, the situation of penitentiary establishments, notably in Dungu in the Haut-Uele province, raises essential questions about justice and human rights. The recent intervention by Alphonse Badi, a representative of an organization of civil society, highlights issues such as prison overcrowding and prolonged preventive detention, which affect many detainees, often awaiting judgment for years. While these difficult and unsanitary living conditions are sources of questions about respecting human dignity, they also reveal an urgent need for systemic reforms. The idea of mobile judicial hearings appears to be a track for reflection to improve access to justice. This discourse finds echo in a collective call to rethink the Congolese judicial system, by offering sustainable solutions and by involving the various stakeholders to guarantee a fairer future. Thus, DUNGU’s problem not only questions institutional actors, but also society about its values of justice and rehabilitation.
The verdict pronounced in the Diane Yangwo case, a young Cameroonian mother who died following domestic violence, aroused strong reactions within society. While her husband was punished with a five -year suspended sentence for acts that led to his death, this judgment raises questions about the efficiency of the judicial system and the protection of women in the face of domestic violence. This case highlights the shortcomings of the legislation in force, as well as the need for collective questioning on the perception of violence against women and the effectiveness of the laws supposed to protect them. The reactions of civil society, which call for reforms, underline a desire for evolution which could mark a turning point for women’s rights in Cameroon. In this context, it becomes crucial to explore the cultural and legal dimensions to better understand this complex problem.
In the complex landscape of the Democratic Republic of Congo, the question of freedom of expression is particularly delicate, especially in the light of the recent convocation of the former deputy Daniel Safu by the Superior Council of Audiovisual and Communication (CSAC). Following criticism made during his program “The people speaks”, Safu is confronted with accusations which question not only the legitimacy of media regulation, but also the limits of political criticism in a context marked by historical tensions between power and journalism. This situation raises fundamental issues on the way of navigating between the right to free expression and the need for constructive public discourse, thus inviting a nuanced reflection on the role of the media and institutions in maintaining a democratic balance.
The Constitutional Court of the Democratic Republic of Congo, which in 2025 celebrates a decade of existence, is positioned at the heart of the country’s legal and political dynamics. Its mission, focused on the protection of fundamental rights and the guarantee of the conformity of acts of the public authorities to the Constitution, raises important questions about its independence and its role in an often loaded political context. While notable advances have been carried out in the field of case law, challenges persist as for its perception as an impartial institution, not subject to political pressures. This celebration should thus be the occasion for a dialogue enriching around democratic principles and the rule of law, while strengthening the awareness of citizens on their rights and duties. Addressing these issues with rigor and serenity seems decisive to envisage the future of institutions and the strengthening of the democratic framework in the DRC.
### The enigma of the disappearance of Joslin Smith: Reflections on the faults of the system
The tragic disappearance of Joslin Smith, six years old, poses an intellectual and moral challenge to our society. During this complex trial, revelations emerge on power dynamics between adults and children, as well as the controversial questioning methods of the authorities. Defense raises crucial questions about the responsibility of the police in the face of the vulnerability of the suspects, while the lack of evidence raises doubts about the integrity of the investigation. Faced with omnipresent media pressure and disinformation, public opinion polarized, highlighting the need for an enlightened debate on our legal system. While anxiety remains for little Joslin, this drama underlines the urgency of collectively reflecting on the protection of children in a society where adults can often be those who perpetuate injustice.