One week after launching an initiative to identify political and opinion prisoners, the National Council for Monitoring the Agreement and Electoral Process (CNSA) in the Democratic Republic of Congo is emphasizing that justice applies equally to all. The move forms part of broader confidence-building measures the CNSA believes are essential before an inclusive national dialogue can take place.

The initiative aims to compile a comprehensive list of detainees whose cases will be reviewed for potential amnesty. This list will be submitted to President Félix Tshisekedi, who will then take executive action ahead of the anticipated national dialogue between Congolese stakeholders.

Justice without distinction

The CNSA has established clear criteria for reviewing cases, with particular attention to individuals whose detention may constitute a violation of their fundamental rights. “Justice has no color,” declared CNSA president Joseph Olenghankoy. “When rights are violated, they must be restored. Our duty is to ensure these concerns reach the highest authority so that appropriate measures can be taken to facilitate national reconciliation.”

Among those potentially affected by this review are prominent figures such as Aubin Minaku and Emmanuel Ramazani Shadary, both senior members of the People’s Party for Reconstruction and Democracy (PPRD), which was associated with former president Joseph Kabila.

Olenghankoy highlighted concerns about prolonged pre-trial detention, noting that some detainees have spent over six months without appearing before a judge. “Within 48 hours of arrest, suspects must be brought before their natural judges,” he emphasized, adding that the CNSA will examine each case individually to determine whether legal procedures were properly followed.

PPRD welcomes CNSA’s initiative

The People’s Party for Reconstruction and Democracy has publicly endorsed the CNSA’s initiative, describing it as a positive step toward securing the release of its detained members. Party spokesperson Lucain Kasongo stated that the CNSA’s efforts to obtain the freedom of Aubin Minaku, Emmanuel Ramazani Shadary, Dunia Kilanga, Parole Kamizelo, and others deserve full support.

“If this initiative leads to the release of our comrades, we can only commend it. Whether it comes from the CNSA or another body, any effort that helps secure the freedom of our detained members is worthy of praise.”

Death sentences and political reconciliation

The initiative also addresses the contentious issue of death sentences, including those handed down to former president Joseph Kabila and Corneille Nangaa, coordinator of the M23 rebellion. Human rights organization Justicia ASBL has urged the justice minister to annul these sentences as part of a broader effort to restore political trust.

Timothée Mbuya, coordinator of Justicia ASBL, stressed that lifting these sentences would be a critical confidence-building measure. “Political action must be taken to overturn the death sentences against Joseph Kabila and Corneille Nangaa. These measures are essential for fostering the political trust required to establish an inclusive dialogue.”

As calls for a comprehensive national dialogue grow louder across the DRC, the CNSA’s initiative represents a pivotal moment in the country’s ongoing efforts to address past injustices and pave the way for lasting reconciliation.