"Severe" sanctions are envisaged in the coming days against "corrupt" Congolese magistrates who continue to tarnish the image of Congolese justice. This was revealed by Head of State Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi on Wednesday, November 6, 2024 at the opening of the work of the Estates General of Justice, which are being held until Wednesday, November 13 at the Kinshasa Financial Center.

To the magistrates, Félix Tshisekedi implied that the Congolese people expect from them a justice system that soothes and reassures, a justice system that inspires confidence by banishing anti-values.

"To the magistrates and other judicial actors, I solemnly remind that the Congolese people expect from you a justice that soothes and reassures, a justice that inspires confidence through your competence, through the banishment of acts of prevarication and through the uncompromising respect for the ethical values that you must embody without fail. Congo will no longer tolerate negligence, much less complacency. Each decision, each act, each word must reflect the integrity and honor that you are called to embody. Personally, I believe in you, and far from being the laughing stock of society, you can still give our children a taste for this noble profession so that they aspire to become magistrates and belong to your elite corps," said Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi in his speech for the occasion.

For Félix Tshisekedi, the time for ultimatums is now over and it is time to move on to sanctions.

"The Nation is watching you, and know that any failure, any lapse, any compromise with probity and uprightness will henceforth be punished. The time for warnings is over. It is with uncompromising firmness that the necessary measures will be taken to remove from the ranks of justice those who betray their mission and, by ricochet, their oath. Congo expects from you an implacable justice against corruption and impunity, a justice that does not shrink from any pressure, from any interest other than that of truth and law. Good justice constitutes the guarantee of strong institutions for the country," noted Félix Tshisekedi in his speech.

President Félix Tshisekedi urged participants to persevere and work tirelessly for the strengthening, efficiency, coherence and credibility of the Congolese judicial system.

"In this perspective, it will be up to you to submit to the States General of Justice all possible remedies, including courageous and ambitious legislative reforms. The task that awaits us is immense, but history teaches us that only companies driven by a clear vision, unwavering determination and an iron will survive the tests of time. These States General must be the foundation of a justice system that is dignified, respected and respectful of the rights of each citizen. I therefore urge you to formulate concrete and applicable recommendations, so that any reform that will be recommended does not remain a distant dream, but becomes a reality," urged Félix Tshisekedi in his speech.

Messages to the DRC's partners and private sector actors were sent by the President of the DRC.

"To our partners, I reiterate our gratitude for your constant and unwavering support. Alongside you, we intend to strengthen this fundamental effort so that Congolese justice can rise to the rank of the most respected, most honest institutions and those that most protect the fundamental rights and freedoms of each citizen. To the actors of the private sector, through these States General, I would like you to find there the firm will to clean up the business environment so that the partnership with the State is in compliance with the rules. I appeal to you for remarkable participation so that your voice is heard for what you think can be improved," added Félix Tshisekedi.

During this work, it will be a question of making a diagnosis, an autopsy of the situation of the Congolese justice system and proposing solutions and reforms to improve this strategic sector of national life. It should be noted that after the official opening of the work, discussions will continue in the various panels and commissions with various stakeholders in the justice sector.

At the end of this work, scheduled unless changed for Wednesday, November 13, 2024, recommendations will be made with a view to redressing this sector of national life. This work comes 9 years after the Estates General of 2015, organized under the reign of President Joseph Kabila Kabange by the Minister of Justice and Human Rights Alexis Thambwe Mwamba.