Category: Legal

The Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI) of the Democratic Republic of Congo recently organized a workshop on the management of electoral disputes in collaboration with the Superior Council of the Judiciary and the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES). Legal experts from the CENI and senior magistrates discussed several topics such as electoral law, rules of procedure and jurisdiction in electoral matters, the threshold of representativeness, the administration of evidence in electoral matters and the annulment polls. Such workshops are important to strengthen the theoretical and practical knowledge of stakeholders on various aspects of elections in the DRC.

The Kingdom of the Netherlands provides financial support of USD 13 million to the Democratic Republic of Congo to fight against gender-based violence. This support will be used in the framework of the S3G2 project, set up by CORDAID, which establishes one-stop centers to offer comprehensive care to victims. In addition to this, the project aims to build the capacity of health providers in the sexual and reproductive health of young people. This initiative is a major step forward in the fight against gender-based violence in the DRC and will contribute to the protection and well-being of women and young people.

A member of the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) has been sentenced to death and dismissed from the army for the brutal murder of 13 civilians in Tchomia. The soldier opened fire on a group of people, killing most of the victims, children, following the discovery that his in-laws had buried his son without their presence. The military court found the soldier guilty of murder, attempted murder, dissipation of ammunition and contempt of the army. This verdict sends a strong message against impunity and reaffirms the fight for human rights. However, it also highlights the continuing tensions and challenges facing the DRC. It is crucial for the authorities to strengthen security and reconciliation efforts to avoid such tragedies in the future.

The article relates the transfer of power from Claude Ibalanky Ekolomba to Alphonse Ntumba Luaba at the head of the National Monitoring Mechanism of the Addis Ababa Framework Agreement in the commune of Gombe in the DRC. It comes after questions about his effectiveness in his new role, coming under regular criticism on Twitter. The Presidency of the Republic announced an inspection of the financial management of the structure headed by Mr. Ibalanky for four years, in order to restore order in this decried institution which is going through a difficult period marked by the proliferation of armed groups in the country. east of the country, the aggression of Rwanda, the persistence of insecurity in the province of Kwango, bordering Kinshasa. The article also mentions social measures, including a donation of 30 motorcycles to facilitate the travel of the provincial deputy directors of the EPST and the commitment of Suez International to help the province of Kasai central by providing access to potable water.

The 145-territory program in the Democratic Republic of Congo is a priority for President Felix-Antoine Tshisekedi. A delegation from the General Inspectorate of Finance (IGF) went to Mbuji-Mayi to assess the progress of the program and find solutions to the constraints encountered in the field. The deputy head of the IGF has given new directives to improve the performance of financial inspectors. This visit and the discussions with the Attorney General demonstrate the Congolese government’s commitment to developing the country’s territories.

Clashes between vigilante groups and M23 rebels took place in two different villages in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Some local sources report that Rwandan soldiers would have joined the rebel group while crossing the border. Major General Sylvain Ekenge said that this situation could lead to an attack on the city of Goma, thus accentuating the humanitarian crisis and insecurity in the region. This situation is very worrying, adding to the already tense context of North Kivu, a province where armed violence is frequent and persistent.

International Criminal Court (ICC) prosecutor Karim Khan visited Panzi to speak with women victims of sexual violence. He pleaded for the establishment of transitional justice to judge the actors of the crimes committed in the DRC. The victims also demanded justice at the ICC. The article highlights the importance of awareness raising and the work of the international community to combat sexual violence and advance the reconciliation process in the DRC.