Category: Legal

**Press Freedom in Danger: The Assassination of Patrick Adonis Numbi Banze**

On the night of January 7-8, 2025, the Democratic Republic of Congo suffered a tragic blow with the assassination of Patrick Adonis Numbi Banze, CEO of Pamoja Canal Télévision. This murder, which shocked the journalistic community, highlights the alarming deterioration of press freedom in the country, already marked by socio-political tensions. Experts and organizations, such as the National Press Union of Congo, call for collective awareness and concrete actions to protect journalists. In a climate where violence is intensifying and impunity reigns, this event must serve as a catalyst for a movement to restore media integrity and ensure a future where free and plural information is preserved.

### Reducing Legal Fees: A Crucial Reform for the DRC

The management of legal fees represents a major challenge for the Democratic Republic of Congo, where considerable sums are spent on international litigation. In a recent statement in New York, Deputy Minister of Justice Samuel Mbemba announced an initiative to reduce the excessive fees charged by the Hogan Lovells law firm. This decision raises crucial issues related to the transparency and effectiveness of the legal representation of the State.

While many developing countries spend up to 5% of their GDP on legal fees, the DRC could save millions of dollars, provided that a systemic reform is implemented. The example of Kenya, which has capped legal fees, shows that it is possible to combine savings and quality of services. With enlightened governance and rigorous implementation of a legal framework, the DRC could transform this reform into an opportunity for investment and citizen trust, while strengthening its image on the international scene. Fatshimetrie will closely monitor the evolution of this dynamic.

**The Debate in the DRC: Death Penalty and the Fight Against Corruption**

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is facing a moral and judicial dilemma over the proposal by the Minister of Justice, Constant Mutamba, to extend the death penalty to embezzlers of public funds. In a country where corruption is endemic, this proposal raises questions about the real effectiveness of such a measure to deter malicious behavior. While the death penalty is increasingly contested worldwide, constructive alternatives, such as strengthening judicial institutions and setting up specialized prosecutors, could offer more relevant and sustainable responses to this crisis. Internationally, countries such as South Africa and Rwanda have been able to combat corruption without resorting to extreme sanctions, proving that transparency and good governance are much more powerful levers for establishing true justice. This situation calls for collective reflection on the very nature of justice in the DRC, calling for systemic changes likely to truly improve the socio-economic situation of the country.

### Democratic Republic of Congo: Towards a Dark Future with Executions?

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) finds itself at a critical crossroads with the reintroduction of executions of death row inmates, fueling a thorny ethical debate on justice and human rights. While the government invokes the need to combat rampant banditry, human rights defenders, including Amnesty International, are calling for a moratorium, highlighting the risks of injustice in an already fragile justice system. Far from addressing the root causes of crime, this repressive approach seems to be part of a cycle of violence and growing distrust in institutions. At a time when the DRC aspires to lasting stability, it is urgent to reassess its relationship with the death penalty and explore alternatives focused on rehabilitation and community support. The voices of citizens, tired of impunity and violence, must be heard to envision a peaceful and just future.

### Kinshasa: Doctors’ Strike Reveals an Alarming Health Crisis

On January 4, 2025, Kinshasa was the scene of a strike by SYNAMED doctors who chose to polarize emergency services, thus exacerbating the already colossal challenges of the Congolese health system. This action, motivated by demands relating to working conditions and remuneration, highlights the disastrous consequences of failing public health management. While only 0.09 doctors per 1,000 inhabitants are available, the polarization of emergency services, involving the alternating operation of two hospitals every 48 hours, reveals the absurdity of a system that does not guarantee equal access to care.

This crisis is a cry of alarm for the government, calling for societal mobilization and urgent investments in the health sector. Inequalities are growing, particularly affecting the most vulnerable, and highlighting the urgency of constructive dialogue between health professionals and decision-makers. In Kinshasa, the current situation is proving to be much more than a simple conflict; it questions our collective commitment to the right to health for all.

**Escape in Kimpese: Reflections on the Urgent Prison Crisis in the DRC**

On the night of January 4, 2023, 23 inmates escaped from a dilapidated prison in Kimpese, revealing the fragility of the Congolese prison system. This incident illustrates a broader problem: nearly 30% of prisoners are awaiting trial, crammed together in inhumane conditions. The carelessness of the guards and the lack of training are making the situation worse. Far from being an isolated incident, this escape raises crucial questions about the state of the infrastructure, the training of prison staff and the violence that results from it. While investigations are announced, a real reform of the prison system seems necessary to avoid the repetition of such crises and guarantee better justice for all.

The case involving TikToker Hadeer Abdel-Razek in Egypt raises debates about morality and public decency in social media. Convicted of sharing indecent videos, she highlights the social responsibility of online influencers. This case highlights the importance of regulating online content to protect the public from harmful content. Influencers must act responsibly, respectfully, and ethically to contribute positively to digital culture.

The article highlights the legal case involving TikToker Hadeer Abdel-Razek, who was convicted of spreading indecent content on social media. The case raises questions about the behavior of online influencers, freedom of expression, and the limits of public decency. It calls for reflection on the ethics and responsibility of digital content creators, highlighting the importance of promoting a respectful and balanced digital space.

Deputy Minister of Justice Samuel Mbemba delivered a powerful speech at a conference on juvenile delinquency and Rwandan aggression. In front of an audience of engaged students, he stressed the importance of vigilance and prudence in the face of national challenges. He encouraged civic engagement and called for increased support for the Congolese army to ensure the future of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Mbemba also encouraged young people to actively participate in constitutional reforms. His message was a call to action and individual responsibility in building a bright future for the country.

Abstract:

Professor André Mbata, a specialist in constitutional law, supports the need for constitutional reform in the Democratic Republic of Congo. He emphasizes the importance of respecting the mechanisms provided for by the constitution for any revision. He insists on the need for a democratic and transparent debate, promoting the participation of all stakeholders. He distinguishes between a revision project and a revision proposal, emphasizing the importance of clarity and consistency of approaches. His position calls for in-depth and constructive reflection on the institutional future of the country, emphasizing the importance of respecting democratic principles.