Category: Legal

Summary:
This article focuses on the case of Matata Ponyo, former Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of Congo, who is facing a new warrant to appear from the Constitutional Court. The case concerns the alleged embezzlement of funds intended for the Bukanga-Lonzo agro-industrial park. Despite several previous invitations and mandates, Matata Ponyo did not respond to summonses from the Attorney General to the Constitutional Court. This article examines the latest developments in this case, the reactions surrounding it and the controversy linked to the competence of the Constitutional Court to try the former Prime Minister. Congolese authorities support the need to pursue legal proceedings in order to establish the truth and ensure that no one is above the law. The question of the separation of powers is also raised in the context of this case.

On the night of July 10, Stanislas M. Samuel, a human rights defender, was attacked in his home by armed men. His wife was tortured and his 7-year-old daughter was injured. Human rights defenders call for an independent investigation to bring the perpetrators to justice. This attack could be linked to recent denunciations by Stanislas M. Samuel on human rights violations in the DRC. The international community must support the protection of human rights defenders and raise public awareness of their crucial work.

A program has been launched in Bandundu, Democratic Republic of Congo, to identify and register all motorcyclists who are members of the Kwilu drivers and motorcyclists association. Each motorcyclist receives a membership card and a vest with a unique number to facilitate their identification. This measure aims to strengthen the security of the city by allowing residents to trace motorcyclists in the event of a problem. The initiative is supported by the Union of Nationals of Bandundu and aims to differentiate legitimate drivers from criminal acts. The Kwilu Provincial Police Commissioner stressed that this operation will facilitate the work of the police to ensure the safety of the population. This initiative is an important step in the fight against insecurity in the city and should improve the quality of life of the inhabitants.

Summary :

In this article, we return to the shocking murder of Prince Tshibola, a cigarette seller, in the town of Tshikapa. The details of this heinous crime are still unclear but have caused great tension between the local population and law enforcement. Violent clashes erupted, fueled by accusations against some police officers. Investigations are underway to identify those responsible, but in the meantime, insecurity persists and the population is asking for reinforced security measures. This tragedy highlights the need for constant vigilance in the fight against violence and crime.

Summary: The Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) have announced the arrest of a new band of suspected criminals in the province of Ituri. A total of 22 individuals, including 9 soldiers, were apprehended during operations carried out in Mambasa, Komanda and Bunia. This operation is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen security in the region. The governor of Ituri has expressed outrage at the behavior of young criminals and calls for disciplinary action. The Ituri security operation, in place for more than two years, is showing encouraging results in the fight against crime. The provincial authorities are working together with the security forces to ensure the safety of citizens and restore peace in the region.

In this powerful article, the Civil Society of Kalehe denounces the misappropriation of donations intended for the victims of Bushushu and Nyamukubi, highlighting the mismanagement of these donations. It calls for severe penalties for those responsible for misappropriation and demands explanations on the use of funds. The Civil Society of Kalehe also denounces the inaction of the local authorities and plans to take action to obtain justice. It is crucial that donations intended for disaster victims are used transparently and effectively to improve their situation, and that measures are taken to prevent such misappropriation in the future.

In a new article, we address the reaction of the lawyers of former Prime Minister Matata Ponyo following the summons issued by the Attorney General at the Constitutional Court. During a press conference, Professor Nyabirungu Mwene Songa questioned the legality of this arrest warrant. According to him, the Constitutional Court is not competent to judge his client, and the warrant to appear would therefore be null and void.

Professor Nyabirungu Mwene Songa also pointed out that the summons could be declared invalid if it concerns new offenses committed outside the functions of Matata Ponyo. According to him, the Constitutional Court does not have the power to judge such cases, in accordance with the constitution and its own jurisprudence. These declarations follow the declaration of the Constitutional Court declining its competence to judge the former Prime Minister.

Referring to Article 168 of the Constitution, the lawyer also accused the Attorney General of violating the authority of res judicata attached to court decisions. According to him, the judicial authorities refuse to submit to the decision of the Constitutional Court, which constitutes a violation of the law.

These new lawsuits against Matata Ponyo are linked to the case of the Bukangalonzo agro-industrial park, where more than 250 million USD have allegedly been embezzled. The former Prime Minister is also accused of embezzlement of funds intended to compensate the former owners of Zairianized property.

Matata Ponyo denounces this procedure as an attempt to eliminate him from the presidential race of 2023. According to him, the Constitutional Court has already declared itself incompetent to judge him, which calls into question the legitimacy of these new prosecutions.

This affair is arousing a lively controversy in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Matata Ponyo’s lawyers continue to fight the charges against their client, while the judicial authorities persist in their desire to prosecute him. The outcome of this case is still uncertain, but it raises questions about respect for judicial authority and the fairness of the legal system in the country.

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) fights against corruption with the help of the Agency for the Prevention and Fight against Corruption (APLC). This agency is seeking to introduce a special anti-corruption law to strengthen preventive measures and punish acts of embezzlement of public funds. The proposed new law will remove immunities that protect the untouchable and make the bribery offense imprescriptible. The efforts of the APLC have already made it possible to recover more than 300 million dollars and to identify more than 150 looted properties. To strengthen the fight against corruption, it is also suggested to digitize institutions and make administrative processes more transparent. This fight is difficult but the DRC shows its willingness to fight this scourge to ensure its development.

The Edouard Mwangachuchu case is causing a stir as the High Military Court examines COVID test documents revealing enigmatic dual nationality. These discrepancies shed light on suspicions of espionage and links with the M23 rebels. Edouard Mwangachuchu, Congolese deputy, is prosecuted for treason and participation in an insurrectionary movement. The defense insists on his unique Congolese nationality, while the civil party evokes espionage offenses. The investigation is ongoing and the political and diplomatic consequences could be major. The High Court adjourned the hearing to continue the examination of this case with complex and crucial implications.