Justice at a Standstill in Bulungu - 93 Detainees, Only 25 Convicted

February 12, 2026 - The justice system in Bulungu, Kwilu province, is facing a critical impasse, leaving detainees to die without knowing their fate. Local sources report that at least five detainees have died since January while awaiting trial, due to a severe shortage of magistrates and the closure of the Bulungu High Court since December 15, 2025. Currently, the central prison houses 93 detainees, of whom only 25 have been convicted. The remaining 68 detainees await hearings that have not taken place, including appeals from five territories across Kwilu Province. Attorney Dirigeant Munzende, president of the Bulungu civil society organization, condemned the situation as a violation of the right to justice. He explained that the court is functioning with only the presiding judge and a single judge, relying on a legal aid lawyer to fill the panel. “The last hearings were on December 15, 2025. Since then, no case has been heard, and several detainees have died during proceedings, while others remain in indefinite limbo,” Munzende stated. The situation highlights the urgent need to reinforce judicial capacity in Kwilu to prevent further deaths and ensure timely access to justice for all detainees.