Category: Legal

** Judicial reform in the DRC: Towards a tangible masterful independence? **

Dated April 1, 2025, President Félix Tshisekedi promoted a major change in the judicial landscape of the Democratic Republic of Congo by appointing 2,500 new magistrates. This initiative arouses hopes, but questions the true independence of the judiciary, often subject to political pressures. While 75 % of the Congolese judge the defaulting judicial system, the ratio of 1 magistrate for 23,000 citizens highlights the urgency of deep reforms. The commitment of personalities like Me Jean Claude Katende, human rights defender, and health insurance for magistrates is undeniable progress, but insufficient if security and moral support are not also guaranteed. At the dawn of crucial sessions of the Superior Council of the Magistracy, the DRC is at a decisive crossroads: to transform promises into concrete actions to restore confidence in an often decree judicial system. The Congolese are not only waiting for words, but justice that protects their rights and guarantees their fundamental freedoms.

### The blurred border between anonymity and traceability: a crucial data protection issue

In the digital age where our lives are increasingly exposed, the protection of personal data raises essential questions. If data storage for statistical purposes may seem trivial, the risk of traceability which results from it should not be overlooked. Even allegedly anonymized data can be analyzed to create specific behavioral profiles, transforming the user into a product.

Regulations and the GDPR try to supervise this collection, but their effectiveness is often hampered by inequalities in their implementation. Users’ education appears to be an essential key to strengthening their autonomy in the face of these practices. Despite the advances, the quest for a balance between innovation, the protection of the individual and the responsibility of the companies remains delicate.

In an era when each online interaction could reveal details on our privacy, it is urgent to rethink our approach to data protection both ethically and practical.

** Title: The expulsion of Venezuelan migrants: between history and ethics **

The recent decision of the Supreme Court of the United States, validating the expulsion of migrants under an 18th century law, arouses intense debate on the ethical and legal implications of this policy. By applying the “Alien Enemies Act”, the country finds itself at a crossroads between national security and human rights, questioning its founding identity as reception land.

While the number of Venezuelans seeking asylum reaches heights due to a political and economic crisis, each status hides a human history. The practical difficulties of access to justice for these migrants underline the systemic inequalities that already exist in the country. In addition, this policy has international repercussions, risking damaging relations with other Nations of Latin America.

Faced with these concerns, a deep reform of the immigration system is essential to restore a balance between legality and humanity. The United States, governed by its tradition of hospitality, must sail with caution to preserve the values ​​that have shaped their nation. The migrant voice must be a key component of the decisions that affect them.

### The shadows of the uniform: a turning point for justice in the DRC

In the Democratic Republic of Congo, the opening of a trial involving seven members of the Prime Minister’s escort team, accused of the murder of a police officer, could point out a crucial change in the fight against the impunity of the police. This drama, which occurred in a context where the police are often perceived as a threat rather than a protector, highlights systematic abuses and the culture of impunity that plagues institutions. By potentially placing the State as a civil party, this trial could embody a new dynamic of responsibility towards citizens. However, behind this symbolism, hides an urgent need for deep reforms in a military judicial system often criticized for its lack of impartiality. The eyes of the country turn to Kinshasa, where the outcome of this case could not only shape the future of Congolese justice, but also redefine the relationships between the State and civil society.

** Mastering the language of rights: an initaitive to discover on “let’s speak French” **

In a context where the rights of individuals are constantly at the heart of the debates, it has become essential to adopt an enlightened and precise approach to express them. The “Parlons Français” program offers a new lesson on fatshimetric.org, aimed at enriching the vocabulary of citizens and providing them with tools to defend their rights effectively. Through a meticulous exploration of terms, this initiative encourages an intuitive understanding of legal language, often perceived as complex. By emphasizing the importance of the choice of words, it is also part of a broader movement of education in fundamental rights. Thus, “let’s speak French” is not limited to linguistic learning, but becomes a real catalyst for emancipation, arming citizens against ignorance and promoting collective awareness. Investing in our language is to open the way to a company more respectful of the rights of each.

** Title: Towards a renewed rule of law: the trial of Kabeya Senda Fiston in the DRC **

On April 4, 2023, the trial of seven Congolese police officers, accused of the death of Brigadier Kabeya Senda Fiston, opened a crucial debate on institutional violence and impunity in the Democratic Republic of Congo. This tragic incident, emblematic of abuses of power in the security forces, comes in the light of a context marked by corruption and distrust of the authorities. The trial is not just for doing justice, but also represents a glimmer of hope for the reform of the judicial system and for the empowerment of state agents. While the DRC is at a critical crossroads, the outcome of this trial could redefine relations between citizens and institutions, thus offering a historic opportunity to build a fairer and fair future for all.

### A legal revolution in Africa: the high court of Nairobi against Meta

The recent decision of the High Court of Nairobi to judge Meta, the Facebook parent company, marks a pivotal moment in the fight for the responsibility of digital platforms in Africa. By denouncing the role of Facebook in the dissemination of hate speeches linked to the Tiger war in Ethiopia, this court illustrates the challenges and issues facing African voices in the face of technological giants often perceived as untouchable. Beyond compensation complaints, this case raises crucial questions about content moderation, decolonial justice and the need for better regulation of technological companies. The fight of Abhram Meareg and Fisseha Tekle does not stop there; It represents a collective quest for the recognition and protection of individual rights in the face of a digital world dominated by powerful actors. This case may well lay the groundwork for an essential transformation, restoring the balance between technological innovation and ethical responsibilities.

### François Compaoré: the challenge of justice in Burkina Faso

The refusal of Visa imposed on François Compaoré, a controversial figure linked to the assassination of journalist Norbert Zongo, raises crucial questions about justice and impunity in Burkina Faso. This refusal goes beyond a simple administrative procedure, revealing a fracture between the imperatives of Burkinabè justice and European migration policies. The complexity of the file, amplified by the limits of Interpol, raises a question of the effectiveness of international justice in cases of human rights abuse.

For the Zongo family and millions of Burkinabés thirsty for truth, the absence of tangible trial represents perpetual pain. It is imperative to explore strategic initiatives to strengthen local judicial institutions and promote international cooperation, in order to break the cycle of impunity. At a time when each voice counts in the quest for justice, the hope of a better future remains fragile but essential.

### An unprecedented sanction: Impact of the EU fine on X and freedom of expression

The European Commission is preparing to inflict a record fine on X, the social media platform recently acquired by Elon Musk, for non-compliance with the standards of the Directive on Digital Services. This colossal amount, which can exceed one billion dollars, raises deep questions about regulating online content and freedom of expression. While X is accused of manipulating its algorithms to promote certain information, the situation highlights the permanent challenge between the fight against disinformation and the protection of users’ voices.

This sanction does not only concern X: other technological giants like Meta and Apple also faces increased pressure from European regulators. In parallel, this fine can have dramatic consequences on the economic model of social networks, in particular by reducing the visibility of certain content and by questioning the value of the authenticity displayed on the platform.

As a decisive turning point for the digital landscape approaches, the need for a balance between responsibility and freedom of expression has never been so crucial. Eyes are now riveted on X’s response and on the implications it could have for our interaction with digital platforms in the future.

** The tragedy of an agricultural worker: a trial revealing abuse in Italian agriculture **

Antonello Lovato’s trial, Italian farmer, highlights the drifts of a system exploiting migrants in agriculture. The death of Satnam Singh, an Indian worker whose arm was crushed by a machine, tragically illustrates precariousness and inhuman conditions facing agricultural workers in Italy. The “Caporalato”, a semi-Illegal network governing this sector, testifies to an alarming human and economic crisis, with nearly 250,000 workers under this system. Faced with this reality, unions and social movements are organized to claim improved rights and put an end to ambient indifference. This drama raises essential questions about human dignity and calls on collective awareness, because it is imperative to transform this anger into concrete action to protect the rights of workers. The death of Satnam Singh must serve as a catalyst to redefine our work relationship and guarantee that each human contribution is respected and rewarded.