Category: Legal

This article highlights the concerns of human rights organizations in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) regarding human rights violations in the pre-election period. Several associations sent a memorandum to the president of the National Human Rights Commission, expressing their concern about the arbitrary arrests and illegal detentions. They also called for support for investigations and legal proceedings against the perpetrators of these violations. The protection of human rights is a crucial issue to guarantee free and fair elections in the DRC.

This article relates a tragic incident in the town of Tshikapa, where a magistrate died in a diamond mine during an altercation between police and artisanal miners. This situation testifies to the insecurity that reigns in this part of the country, but measures are being taken to improve the financial management of the country in order to guarantee long-term security and stability. The authorities must continue to work to resolve the humanitarian and security crisis in the affected regions.

The Attorney General of the International Criminal Court (ICC), Karim Khan, is visiting the DRC where he avoids the province of North Kivu which is however torn by violence from local and foreign armed groups. Despite convictions of warlords, the ICC has not produced the expected results in Ituri, according to Professor Eugène Bakama Bope, member of the group of African experts in international criminal justice. The Congolese government is calling for an investigation into the serious human rights violations committed by the RDF and M23 coalition. The ICC has failed to meet victims’ expectations and has had little deterrent effect, according to Mr. Bope, who calls for the creation of an international criminal tribunal for the DRC.

The Chairman of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Committee of Ministers, Peter Kazadi, chaired a meeting of SADC ministers responsible for the interior and disaster management. At the end of the meeting, the DRC and Malawi signed a memorandum of understanding for the establishment of a humanitarian and emergency operations center, in order to better prepare for natural disasters in the region. The pooling of efforts will allow a faster response and effective coordination to better protect the citizens of the region. Eleven of the sixteen Member States were present at this meeting, illustrating the importance given to the development of a regional plan for the prevention and management of disasters and risks.

On Friday, May 26, the High Military Court examined the request for provisional release for health reasons of Édouard Mwangachuchu, who is suspected of having links with the M23 rebels. The lawyers said their client had medical appointments in Kinshasa and abroad, but the Public Prosecutor’s officer pointed out that the law does not provide for provisional release on medical grounds. Mwangachuchu faces charges of treason, participation in an insurrectionary movement and illegal possession of weapons of war. The case has been adjourned to June 3 to respond to Mwangachuchu’s request.

Haut Katanga, in the town of Kasumbalesa, is facing a wave of rapes of minors which shocks public opinion. Several cases were recorded within a week, including that of a two-year-old child who was anally raped. A newly married woman was also assaulted by soldiers. Fifi Mwowaba Kabobo, the deputy mayor, expressed her indignation and announced that the victims are taken care of by the town hall. It is crucial that measures are taken to prevent such violence from occurring in the future, especially against women and children who are more vulnerable.

The Democratic Republic of Congo reminds taxpayers of their obligation to pay the second installment of the Professional Profits Tax (IBP) before July 31, 2023. The DGI highlights the importance of compliance with tax obligations to support economic development from the country. All companies and professionals subject to the IBP are concerned. Non-payment can lead to significant financial consequences and damage the reputation of taxpayers. Different payment options are offered by the DGI. By respecting their tax obligations, taxpayers contribute to building a more solid economy and improving the living conditions of the population.

The High Council for Audiovisual and Communication (CSAC) has reassessed its measures against the television channel CML13TV, the host of the program “Libre Opinion” and his guests, after heated debates. The CSAC reduced the number of days of suspension for the channel, but increased that for the presenter. The guests were banned from media broadcasting in the DRC for 90 days. The CSAC called on the media to collaborate for the strict application of these measures aimed at combating hate speech and violence. The measures taken have sparked debates on freedom of expression, but are important for strengthening ethical standards in the media.

Congolese deputy Edouard Mwangachuchu is currently on trial for his alleged involvement in an insurrectionary movement as well as for illegal possession of weapons and munitions of war. The High Military Court examining the case, questioned the nationality of the suspect, who declares himself Congolese but seems to have links with Rwanda, in particular by calling on Rwandan experts to exploit minerals. The trial is still ongoing and the decision on the provisional release of the suspect will be taken on June 2.