Category: Legal

The training workshop on human trafficking case management, organized by the Coordination in charge of youth, fight against GBV and human trafficking, in partnership with IOM and funded by USAID, is currently taking place in the province of Kwilu in the DRC. The objective of this training is to strengthen the skills of actors in the field involved in the care of victims of human trafficking. The training will focus on the principles, techniques and instruments for managing human trafficking cases, as well as on the specificities of the DRC. Human trafficking is a global scourge that affects more than 50 million people, who are exploited sexually, in forced labor, domestic servitude, organ trafficking and forced recruitment into armed groups. This training is of capital importance to combat this problem in the DRC and to provide better assistance to victims.

In July 2023, the EACRF Technical Assessment Team visited Rumangabo and Kibumba to assess the security situation in the area. Accompanied by General-Major Sibomana Ignace, personal representative of the Chief of Staff of the National Defense Force of Burundi, the team met with the commanders of the troops on the spot, as well as with the heads of locality . This visit is an important step in monitoring the safety of local populations.

In a sad incident in Beni, Democratic Republic of Congo, a police officer took his own life. The reasons for this tragic event are still unknown, but it highlights the difficulties that police officers can face in the performance of their duties. Supporting and educating these law enforcement agencies on mental health and wellness issues is essential. Suicide prevention measures must be in place to ensure the health and well-being of those who keep us safe. The disappearance of this agent is a loss for his family, his colleagues and the community, we express our sincere condolences to his loved ones.

In this poignant article, we discover that Édouard Mwangachuchu, accused of serious charges linked to his alleged involvement with the M23 rebels, now finds himself without lawyers to defend him. His lawyers withdrew from the case after their request for a delay to allow their client to receive proper medical treatment was rejected by the High Military Court. This decision highlights the difficulties encountered by defendants in the Congolese justice system in obtaining fair and equitable treatment. The lawyers’ withdrawal raises questions about the fair prosecution of the case and highlights existing problems in the Congolese justice system. Measures must be taken to guarantee respect for the fundamental rights of Édouard Mwangachuchu and to strengthen the independence of the Congolese judicial system.

The review of analysis of abortion care centered on women in Kinshasa was held recently with the objective of examining the progress made in terms of accessibility and quality of reproductive health services in the province. This assessment brought together nearly 90 healthcare professionals and reviewed abortion care data to identify strengths and areas requiring improvement. The integration of the titular nurses made it possible to have a more in-depth analysis of the achievements of the past year. This review is part of the implementation of the Maputo Protocol ratified by the Democratic Republic of Congo and also marks the twentieth year of its implementation. Improving the reproductive health of Congolese women is a major issue, and this review contributes to the promotion of their right to health and reproduction by improving the quality of care and facilitating access to young people.

This article chronicles the tragic suicide of Mr. Kanzoka Ngwatala, a member of the Congolese National Police in Beni, North Kivu in DR Congo. The details surrounding this act are still unclear and an investigation is ongoing. Mr. Kanzoka Ngwatala shot himself twice at his home in the Cité Belge police station. The authorities are determined to establish the facts with precision in order to understand the reasons which led this agent to such a gesture. The disappearance of Mr. Kanzoka Ngwatala highlights the challenges faced by law enforcement officers and raises the need to support their psychological well-being. The results of the survey are expected to provide answers and contribute to the prevention of such tragedies in the future.

This article excerpt deals with kidnappings taking place in the city of Kinshasa, in the Democratic Republic of Congo. It reports that twenty people have been sentenced to death by the Kinshasa/Gombe tribunal de grande instance for their involvement in these crimes. However, the move has drawn mixed reactions, with some welcoming the measure while others question its effectiveness in deterring criminals. The article stresses the need for coordinated action by the authorities to combat this phenomenon and guarantee the security of the Congolese population. He concludes by insisting on the importance of engaging in more global actions, including prevention, repression and care for victims, to ensure the safety and tranquility of the population.

Kinshasa’s Minister of Transport, Amos Mbokoso, appeals to the population to use well-identified vehicles to fight against kidnappings in transport. The provincial government has taken measures such as setting up mixed patrols, banning tinted windows and displaying the identification number on vehicles. Suspected kidnappers were arrested and weapons were seized. By choosing these vehicles with vignettes and QR codes, citizens contribute to enhancing security and creating a safer city. Collaboration between the population and the authorities is essential to reduce kidnappings in Kinshasa.

A convoy of Chinese expatriates was caught in a violent ambush in the Democratic Republic of Congo, resulting in the deaths of two people, including a FARDC soldier and a driver. The perpetrators of this attack remain unidentified, highlighting the continuing instability in the region. This ambush highlights the need to strengthen security and ensure the protection of foreign workers. The authorities must react quickly by strengthening security measures, carrying out a thorough investigation and putting in place preventive mechanisms to prevent such attacks in the future.

Congolese police put an end to the actions of a gang of thieves in Kananga, Kasai Central. Nine suspected bandits were arrested during an operation. The thieves were apprehended with a new motorcycle, computers and other valuables. This arrest is a significant step forward in the fight against growing insecurity in the region. The Commissioner promised to step up security measures and prosecute the criminals. Cooperation between the police and the population is essential to guarantee the safety of all. The success of this operation testifies to the efficiency and commitment of the Congolese police.