Two-Speed Justice Critique and Thirteen International Cases on Government Agenda

Kinshasa, DRC, August 3, 2026 - Jurist Lilas Sansa has publicly welcomed the recent conviction of Roger Lumbala in France for complicity in crimes against humanity under the principle of universal jurisdiction. However, she has criticized what she describes as a two-speed justice system, particularly in relation to Jean-Pierre Bemba, who has been linked to the same 'Effacer le tableau' operation. Sansa pointed out that Bemba's history includes a conviction by the International Criminal Court (ICC), which was later overturned on appeal, and his subsequent appointments to the governments of President Félix Tshisekedi. This situation, according to Sansa, highlights a troubling lack of political will to clarify the chains of responsibility that include foreign nationals involved in the DRC's complex legal landscape.

In a related development, during the Council of Ministers meeting on July 31, Justice Minister Guillaume Ngefa outlined the DRC's current legal challenges, revealing that the country is facing 13 international disputes. These disputes are set to be addressed before various international legal bodies, including the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID), the ICC International Court of Arbitration, and the OHADA Common Court of Justice and Arbitration (CCJA), as well as foreign state courts. Ngefa emphasized that these issues represent a strategic governance concern that necessitates an integrated approach to judicial defense, risk prevention, and the protection of public assets. He noted that reforms aimed at strengthening the institutional, financial, and legal capacities for defense are underway, particularly in light of past controversies surrounding mining, investment, and procurement awards.