National Trainer Course for Magistrates on Cross-Border Crime Opens

Kinshasa, DRC, August 10, 2026 - A national trainers’ course for magistrates focusing on cross-border crime and related legal procedures commenced on August 10, 2026, at the INAFORJ Léon Kengo hall. Organized by iPeace in collaboration with the High Council of the Magistracy and INAFORJ, the course will run until August 14, 2026. The initiative aims to enhance the capacity of magistrates, particularly those from North and South Kivu, who have been relocated to Kinshasa.

The training emphasizes critical issues such as illicit natural resources, arms and drugs trafficking, human trafficking, money laundering, and the financing of armed groups. Utilizing a train-the-trainer model, the program is designed to equip magistrates with the necessary skills to address these complex challenges effectively. This initiative is part of the broader Uhaki Bila Mipaka project, which has been funded by the Netherlands since 2022. According to iPeace, over 200 justice actors have been trained through this project since its inception, which also includes mobile legal clinics and a free hotline for legal assistance.

The course reflects ongoing efforts to strengthen the judicial system in the DRC, particularly in regions heavily impacted by cross-border crime. By focusing on practical training and the sharing of best practices, the program aims to foster a more robust legal framework capable of tackling the multifaceted issues associated with cross-border criminal activities.