Category: Legal

A training workshop on human trafficking case management was recently held in Matadi, Democratic Republic of Congo. The objective of this workshop was to strengthen the skills of social actors in the care of victims of human trafficking. The participants acquired knowledge on the principles, techniques and instruments of the management of trafficking cases. The importance of this training is justified by the alarming figures of human trafficking worldwide, with more than 50 million reported victims. In the DRC, there is an urgent need to strengthen the institutional capacities and skills of frontline actors to fight against this scourge. The training aims to empower social workers to identify cases of human trafficking and take steps to provide relief to victims. Awareness and prevention of human trafficking are also highlighted. The management of these cases is essential to protect the rights of victims and to end this form of human exploitation.

The military tribunal of Kikwit, Kwilu and Kwango has delivered its verdict in the case of the Mobondo militiamen arrested in Kenge, sentencing 63 of them to 20 years of penal servitude. A militiaman has been sentenced to death for the murder of a colonel during an attack. Fifteen defendants were acquitted due to insufficient evidence. Efforts by the Congolese armed forces to track down Mobondo militiamen and restore peace in the region resulted in the capture of several rebels and the seizure of weapons. However, continued investment in security and preventive measures is essential to ensure lasting peace in the region.

Ukraine’s use of cluster munitions raises concerns about the dangers they pose to civilians. Although these weapons are banned in many European countries, they are allowed in Ukraine and Russia. Cluster munitions disperse small explosive charges that may remain unexploded, posing a risk to civilians after the conflict has ended. This controversial use was criticized by Russia, which warned it would retaliate using the same type of weapon. The situation in Ukraine requires diplomatic solutions and the involvement of the international community to protect the civilian population and find a peaceful resolution to the conflict.

The opening of the SADC justice ministers committee meeting in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, brought together justice ministers from SADC member countries. The Prime Minister stressed the importance of this meeting to discuss common legal and judicial issues and implement community standards. The situation in the DRC, in particular the Rwandan aggression, was denounced, and discussions on the elaboration of draft legal instruments and the establishment of dispute settlement mechanisms took place. The conclusions of this meeting will be submitted to the SADC Conference of Heads of State and Government. The DRC, which holds the presidency of SADC, is committed to working for peace, security and regional cooperation.

The article highlights the work of Professor Auguste Mampuya, which emphasizes the importance of the independence of constitutional judges from politicians. The author criticizes politicians who seek to influence court cases and urges magistrates to remain ungrateful to those who appoint them. It also underlines the essential role of the Superior Council of the Judiciary in the defense of this independence. The book is all the more relevant in the context of the proceedings against former Prime Minister Matata Ponyo, where the Constitutional Court declares itself incompetent. Creating legal debates, this book highlights the challenges of judicial independence and recalls the importance of respecting the decisions of the Constitutional Court, according to the law in force and without political influence. This work thus contributes to reflection on the essential role of constitutional judges in the defense of the rule of law in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Summary :

The Coordination in charge of youth, fight against GBV and human trafficking, in partnership with IOM, organized a training workshop on the management of human trafficking cases in the DRC. The objective of this workshop was to strengthen the capacities of social actors in the care of victims of human trafficking. It is essential to train these actors in order to fight effectively against this scourge that affects millions of people around the world. The holding of this workshop is therefore an important step in the fight against human trafficking in the DRC.

Sylvano Kasongo, who was appointed head of the Kinshasa provincial police in July 2017, has left a mixed record. While his predecessor had succeeded in reducing the Kuluna phenomenon, the emergence of kidnapping marked his tenure. Insecurity has worsened, with increasingly frequent kidnappings and the involvement of police in these criminal acts. The population criticized his lack of will and responsibility in solving these problems. A change of leadership is needed to restore security in Kinshasa.

In his book “Under the leadership of the Constitutional Court, a “jurisprudence which cannot establish case law””, Professor Auguste Mampuya underlines the importance of the independence of constitutional judges. It highlights the fact that judges should not be influenced by politicians and should apply the law impartially. Mampuya also deplores the introduction of politics into courtrooms and insists that judges should base themselves on the law rather than on political considerations. The book thus prompts reflections on the role and responsibility of constitutional judges in maintaining the rule of law.

In this article, we learn that 63 Mobondo militiamen were arrested and sentenced to 20 years of penal servitude by the garrison military tribunal of Kikwit, Kwilu and Kwango. This condemnation aims to put an end to the violence between the Teke and Yaka factions which have claimed many victims in recent months. Despite the acquittal of some defendants for lack of sufficient evidence, this verdict bears witness to the authorities’ efforts to restore order and peace in the region. At the same time, the armed forces intensified their tracking operations to neutralize the Mobondo militiamen. This fight against armed groups in the DRC is supported by strengthened regional cooperation. Moreover, the Congolese government is also calling for dialogue to restore stability and peace in the country. Finally, it is important to remain vigilant regarding the situation of the Nyiragongo and Nyamulagira volcanoes, which are currently on alert, in order to prevent any potential risk for the populations living nearby. In conclusion, the condemnation of the Mobondo militiamen is an important step in the search for peace and stability in the Kwango region, but durable solutions and dialogue remain essential to achieve real stability.

The opening of the SADC justice ministers committee meeting was held in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo. The ministers discussed common legal and judicial issues, as well as the implementation of community standards. The Congolese Prime Minister stressed the importance of strengthening dispute resolution mechanisms and expressed his concern over Rwandan aggression towards the DRC. During the meeting, various draft legal instruments were discussed. This meeting demonstrates the resumption of the leadership role of the DRC within SADC in the field of justice.