Category: Legal

### Justice to the test of the crisis: a reflection on its roles and its limits

In his latest book, Gérard Davet examines, with Fabrice Lhomme, the role of French justice during the pandemic of Covid-19. The assertion that “justice has done its job” raises concerns about the real efficiency of judicial institutions in the face of disputed government decisions. While more than 60% of French people express an increasing mistrust of the authorities, the survey highlights an urgent demand for responsibility and transparency. The authors argue for a reform that would transform justice into a preventive player in the face of crises rather than a simple reactive of past errors. The need for appropriate education for public officials to better anticipate and manage crises is crucial to restore citizen’s confidence, asking the central question: how can justice evolve to be a catalyst for change in a constantly changing world?

** The departure of Maître Bakumba: a key moment for the Congo **

The resignation of Maître Chris-Cicero Bakumba, advocate of the National Episcopal Conference of Congo (CENCO), creates upright in the legal and religious environment. After sixteen years of service, his departure raises questions about the deep motivations that animate him, whether it is a desire for new opportunities or a quest to defend more societal causes. This change is part of a context where global religious institutions are evolving, with a majority of leaders wishing to modernize their structures. In this sense, the withdrawal of Bakumba represents not only a turning point for Cenco, but also an opening for a new generation wishing to make his voice heard. In a country in search of renewal, its heritage and future role will be scrutinized closely, both by its peers and by the Congolese population.

** A return to the past: the Invoke of the Alien Enemies Act and its socio-political risks **

The Trump administration plans to reactivate the Alien Enemies Act of 1798, a controversial legal measure whose application raises major ethical and legal concerns. In a time when the country faced any war, the invocation of this law, criticized for its archaism, questions our relationship to immigration and security. Recent studies show that fears concerning immigration and crime are often unfounded, encouraging to wonder if our policies should be based on biased perceptions rather than convincing data.

In the middle of the electoral campaign, this tactic seems to be used to capitalize on the fears of citizens, while strengthening a climate of hostility towards vulnerable communities. The consequences of such a strategy go far beyond immediate impact; They could lead to deep social divisions.

While America is found at a crossroads, the question remains: how could we approach migratory challenges while preserving the fundamental values ​​of openness and inclusiveness that defined the nation? It is time to envisage more human solutions, which attack the roots of migratory crises, rather than yielding to the temptation of exclusion. The way to choose is that of constructive commitment, not isolation.

### Sweet education in Kanshi: the urgency of a collective alarm clock

On February 24, students from the Kanshi General and Technical School expressed their anger at the spoliation of their school land by property developers. This alarming situation goes beyond the framework of a simple local conflict; It highlights a deeper educational crisis at the heart of the Democratic Republic of Congo, where the right to education is regularly flouted. Returns of authorities, such as those of the President of the Provincial Assembly, underline the need for effective action to protect public goods. However, as long as concrete measures are not implemented, young people continue to feel abandoned, and violence may normalize in an already weakened society. This struggle for the right to a learning space must become the catalyst for a broader movement, aimed at restoring the dignity and the future of young people in a context where education must be considered as a fundamental right, not like a commodity.

** The Ould Abdel Aziz case: towards a legal reform in Mauritania **

The trial of the former Mauritanian president Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz, recently sentenced to 20 years in prison for embezzlement, opens a crucial debate on justice and governance in Mauritania. Former controversial leader, Ould Abdel Aziz left behind an inheritance combining economic advances and accusations of corruption constantly climbed, making Mauritania one of the most corrupt countries in the world according to Transparency International.

This trial, if it can be perceived as an advance towards greater transparency, also raises questions about the laws surrounding criminal responsibility for political elites. The defense of Ould Abdel Aziz points to judicial competence, revealing a legal vagueness exploitable by the former leaders. While the population sees in this case a glimmer of hope for better governance, political tensions are inevitable, fueled by fears of authoritarian drifts.

The future of Mauritania now depends on an in -depth reform of its judicial system, supported by international initiatives and strengthened civic education. The trial must not remain an isolated event, but marks the beginning of a real institutional transformation, essential to guarantee justice and integrity in the country.

** Case Le Scouarnec: a reflection on the failing of the French judicial and medical system **

The trial of Joël Le Scouarnec, a former surgeon accused of sexual assault on minors, opens on February 24 and marks a turning point in the fight against pedocrime in France. With almost 2.5 % of children victims of sexual abuse, this case highlights a system that struggles to protect the most vulnerable. It raises essential questions about the responsibility of institutions in the face of these crimes, revealing a climate of impunity when alerts on suspicious behavior are often ignored.

The case of the Scouarnec should not be confined to the accused’s only guilt, but to offer an opportunity to examine the flaws of the system. Through this trial, it is crucial to encourage the denunciation of abuses and to support victims not only by legal, but also psychological measures. This event does not only concern justice, but calls for an ethical renewal to guarantee the safety of children and to transform silence into voice.

### The reuse of wounded soldiers: a cry of alarm on Russian military ethics

The war in Ukraine highlights a disturbing reality: Russia refers soldiers injured in the front, often without adequate care, illustrating strategic despair and a military ethics undermined. This practice, which recalls dark moments in military history, raises deep questions about respect for human dignity in armed conflicts. With alarming human losses of more than 200,000 soldiers, the Kremlin favors a quantity strategy on the quality of care, forcing bruised men to return to combat under excruciating conditions. This approach not only dehumanizes soldiers, but could also cause a cycle of suffering and trauma, both for the military and for the societies they defend. In the end, it is imperative to reassess the treatment reserved for wounded soldiers, placing human values ​​at the heart of military concerns.

** Al-Hawatka’s tragedy: an awakening of conscience for Egypt **

The recent collapse of a house in Al-Hawatka not only plunged the village into pain, but also revealed the alarming structural failures of the construction sector in Egypt. With almost 40 % of buildings not in accordance with safety standards, this tragedy highlights a systemic problem that requires urgent actions.

Despite the heroic efforts of the rescue teams and the local community, which mobilized to help, the situation highlights a disturbing reality: the insufficiency of safety infrastructure and the need for better seizure management. At a time when the search for missing children continues, it is crucial to impose more strict standards and rethink urban planning policies to avoid other similar dramas.

The voice of citizens rises, calling for a tangible change. The future of citizens’ security is at stake, and each member of society must be heard and involved in building a safer future.

** copyright in the DRC: a revolution in the march for artists **

From February 17 to 25, 2023, SOCODA initiated a crucial process of copyright for a hundred Congolese artists, highlighting the importance of recognition and protection of artistic creations. In a country where almost 80% of musicians and actors suffer from financial precariousness, this initiative represents a step towards fair remuneration and a better viability of popular culture. However, challenges remain, in particular the need to maximize the impact of these payments transparently. The interim managing director, Joe Mondonga Moyama, calls for the creation of a support ecosystem that goes beyond simple payments, including training and public awareness. Socoda is then positioned as a key player in the construction of an artistic future where each creator will be honored for his work, potentially starting a new era for copyright in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

### APO IPAN ASH: a star of Congolese journalism extinct

On February 7, 2025, Congolese journalism lost one of its icons, APO IPAN ASH, whose commitment and passion marked generations. Buried on February 18 in the necropolis cemetery, his heritage extends beyond his functions to the General Inspectorate of Finance and RTNC. Recognized as a man of letters and an intellectual, APO has brilliantly ally journalism, education and culture, making him an emblematic figure in a sector plagued by many challenges.

His innovative communication approach has laid the foundations for a fight against corruption, while integrating cultural values ​​into information. In a media landscape confronted with disinformation, its contributions to the education of journalists carry a particular resonance. The loss of APO IPAN must encourage us to reflect collectively on the future of journalism in the Democratic Republic of Congo, by promoting an ethical and committed practice in the service of truth and transparency. His memory reminds us that journalism is much more than a profession: it is an essential vocation, at the heart of society.