Category: Legal

The Maputo Protocol, adopted 20 years ago by the African Union, is a historic commitment to women’s rights in Africa. It guarantees gender equality, non-discrimination and protection against violence against women. Refugee women, who are particularly vulnerable, are also taken into account in this protocol. States parties have committed to put in place policies and mechanisms to prevent violence and ensure access to health services and education. However, challenges persist and it is essential to strengthen efforts to fully implement this protocol. As we celebrate its 20th anniversary, we must reaffirm our commitment to fighting for the rights of refugee women and building a more equitable world for all.

Matata Ponyo’s lawyer contests the summons issued against his client by the Attorney General at the Constitutional Court. According to him, this mandate is illegal and does not respect the constitutional rules in force. Me Nyabirungu affirms that the Constitution provides for three prosecution hypotheses for Matata Ponyo, but that the warrant issued does not correspond to any of them. He also points out that the Bukanga Lonzo case is over and cannot be revived. This challenge highlights the issues in this case and raises questions about the independence of the judicial system.

The conflict between Dan Gertler and the “Congo is not for sale” coalition is growing. While the coalition accused Gertler of illegal activities, his group Ventora responded by calling the accusations misrepresentations. Ventora regrets the coalition’s lack of honest dialogue and points out that Gertler takes issue with past actions for which he is accused. They also claim that the description of the situation of the defamation lawsuit is a manipulation of the facts by the coalition. Despite this, Gertler remains open to dialogue and offers to withdraw the defamation lawsuits if the coalition mutually commits to this process. They also express their disappointment at the coalition’s unilateral decision to make their statement public without having been able to organize a structured meeting. It is crucial to find constructive solutions to resolve this conflict and promote a transparent and open dialogue that will promote the development of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

The article sheds light on the saga of the embezzlement of funds from the Bukanga-Lonzo agro-food park in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where former Prime Minister Augustin Matata Ponyo is accused of embezzling public funds. Matata’s clan responded by launching a media battle on social media, accusing the attorney general and the president of the Senate of conspiring against him. This case highlights the importance of fighting corruption and fair justice in the DRC.

The former Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Augustin Matata Ponyo, faces a second warrant to appear in an embezzlement case. He is accused of having embezzled a sum of 205 million dollars intended for the agro-industrial park of Bukanga-Lonzo. Despite several summonses, Matata Ponyo refuses to appear before the Attorney General at the Constitutional Court. He affirms his innocence and denounces an instrumentalization of justice. This case raises questions about the transparency and integrity of governance in the DRC, and highlights the role of the media in disseminating information.

Me Raphaël Nyabirungu, lawyer for Matata Ponyo, challenged the legality of the summons sent to his client by the Attorney General at the Constitutional Court. According to him, the Constitution does not provide for prosecution of a former prime minister and jurisdiction lies with the Court of Cassation. He claims that the warrant violates the Constitution and established case law, rendering it null and void. This case raises questions about the rule of law in the DRC and its impact on the Congolese political scene.

In the province of Mai-Ndombe, Mobondo militiamen continue to terrorize the population by taking hostage motorcycle taxi drivers on the Kwamouth-Masiambio road axis. At least 13 people have been captured, although 10 have been released, three are still in the hands of the attackers. This situation highlights the growing insecurity in the region. Despite the measures taken by the Armed Forces of the DRC and the CENI, the violence persists, endangering the local populations and hindering the registration of voters. The authorities must take strong measures to restore peace and security in the region and protect the citizens who live in constant fear. It is time to act to put an end to this insecurity and guarantee a peaceful and stable environment in the province of Mai-Ndombe.

Abstract: An armed attack against Plantations et Huileries du Congo (PHC) employees in Lokutu, Democratic Republic of Congo, highlights critical security issues in the country. This attack, perpetrated by a militia, raises questions about the authorities’ ability to ensure the safety of businesses and local populations. Tensions between communities and economic actors are also highlighted. It is essential to strengthen security measures and promote cooperation between businesses, authorities and local communities to ensure a safe and conducive environment for the country’s development.

In this powerful excerpt from a blog post, we hear the story of Stanislas M. Samuel, a human rights defender who recently narrowly escaped an assassination attempt. This attack highlights the dangers faced by human rights defenders in their fight for justice. The Congolese authorities are singled out and an independent investigation is called for to bring those responsible to justice. This story highlights the importance of supporting and protecting human rights defenders in their fight for justice and equality.