Category: Legal

In this excerpt, MP Éric Ngalula denounces a flagrant violation of the mining code in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). He calls into question a ministerial decree which contradicts the legal provisions on the marketing of mineral substances. This decision has a direct impact on players in the mining sector, in particular the company SACIM, by limiting their freedom to sell. Ngalula is asking the Minister of Mines for explanations and intends to take the necessary measures to enforce the law. This violation of the mining code compromises the interests of the Congolese people and raises questions about compliance with the rules governing mining.

Summary:

The city of Kinshasa, in the Democratic Republic of Congo, is facing a major wave of crime and insecurity, notably marked by kidnappings. The government has taken strong measures to combat this scourge, such as mass arrests and closures in certain neighborhoods. Actions are also planned to reinforce road safety, such as the compulsory display of the driver’s photo on vehicles. The government is also setting up awareness and rehabilitation programs to combat the phenomenon of juvenile delinquency.

On the night of July 10, Stanislas M. Samuel, a human rights defender in the DRC, narrowly escaped an assassination attempt. Armed men broke into his home, firing several shots and torturing his wife. Human rights defenders demand an independent investigation to bring the perpetrators to justice and call on the international community to protect Stanislas M. Samuel. This attack demonstrates the dangers faced by human rights defenders in the DRC. Despite this, they continue to fight for justice and an end to impunity. The international community must offer them its support and protection.

The Attorney General of the Democratic Republic of Congo has issued a second warrant to appear against Senator Augustin Matata Ponyo, accused of embezzlement. The senator allegedly embezzled $205 million intended for an agricultural project, which sparked strong reactions. The Congolese government supports the action of justice and insists on individual responsibility and the fight against corruption. The senator is called to appear before the Constitutional Court on July 12. The next developments will determine whether Matata Ponyo will comply with the summons and how the case will be handled by the courts.

Human organ trafficking in Kinshasa is the subject of serious concern, but the Congolese government strongly denies these allegations, pointing to the lack of infrastructure and expertise for such operations. The Deputy Minister of Health affirms that organ transplantation and trafficking require specific conditions which are not met in Kinshasa. Despite this, the population remains suspicious and the authorities have put in place measures to reassure the inhabitants. It is important to remain vigilant and not spread false information while awaiting the results of official investigations.

In this powerful excerpt, we discuss the sentencing of kidnappers in Kinshasa. The culprits, including 4 police officers, were found guilty of criminal association, armed robbery and murder. Penalties vary from the death penalty to prison terms ranging from 2 to 10 years, with damages to be paid. However, one NGO is raising concerns about where these convicts will serve their sentences. The population of Kinshasa is marked by the terror caused by these abductions, and fears that the real responsible will not be apprehended. It is therefore essential that the authorities take measures to guarantee the safety of the population and the fight against crime.

Despite President Félix Tshisekedi’s efforts to reform justice in the Democratic Republic of Congo and promote the rule of law, the situation remains worrying. In a recent interview, the president expresses his disappointment with the lack of understanding and collaboration from the heads of judicial institutions. He also rejects accusations of instrumentalization of justice for political ends. However, the dysfunctions of Congolese justice are numerous and affect the population’s confidence in the judicial system. The president calls for reforms within the Superior Council of the Judiciary and the General Inspectorate of Judicial and Penitentiary Services. But their implementation will require close collaboration, financial resources and promotion of the independence of the judiciary. The reform of justice and the promotion of the rule of law remain major challenges for the Democratic Republic of Congo, requiring strong political will and a lasting commitment of all the actors concerned.

The article focuses on the controversial decision of the National Insurance Company (Sonas) in Kindu, Democratic Republic of Congo, to replace insurance certificates with payment and withdrawal tokens. This practice has raised concerns about transparency and the management of the funds raised. Motorcyclists interviewed suggest it may be an unconstitutional practice to seize vehicles that have not paid their insurance. Observers ask for clarification on the legality and transparency of this practice, while the competent authorities must ensure compliance with legal provisions. Policyholder confidence and adequate protection are essential to maintain an effective functioning of the insurance industry in the country.

On July 10, 2023, a serious helicopter crash in Kakanda, Democratic Republic of Congo claimed the lives of three people. This incident highlights the importance of strengthening flight safety in the country. Measures must be taken to ensure that aircraft meet the highest safety standards, particularly in terms of maintenance, pilot training and the use of reliable equipment. The responsibility for ensuring flight safety lies not only with airlines and pilots, but also with the competent authorities, who must play an active role in supervising and enforcing safety standards. The training and awareness of aviation stakeholders are also key aspects to prevent such accidents in the future.

Kinshasa students demand improved services from Trans Academia. They complain of frequent delays, the complexity of controls and the cumbersome nature of the public service. These problems lead to late arrivals to classes and affect the academic success of students. They are asking for an increase in the number of buses, better punctuality, a simplification of control procedures and better monitoring of subscriptions. By meeting these demands, Trans Academia could provide better quality public transportation for Kinshasa students.