The Lubanga trial might have a dampening effect on the rampant impunity we see here in the Congo. I am elated to see that “enemies of the human race” are finally being held accountable for their actions before international judicial institutions.
For far too long, far too many of my compatriots in the DR Congo have behaved like entitled kings without any fear of consequence and this fact is most unjust. And although the ICC aims for those deemed most responsible, we are only chipping away at the problem of impunity.
The international community should help Congolese civil society in its quest to pass the national law implementing the Rome Statute without delay. This law can address perpetrators of crimes falling outside the ICC’s jurisdictional boundaries.
I have always held close the memory of those viciously killed before the Rome Statute’s entry into force. It is in their name and the name of their beloved families that we in the Congo seek justice. My most profound hope is that I plead for help—and pressure—for our country so that we can try those criminals beyond the ICC’s jurisdiction, especially high-ranking government officials.
Delly MAWAZO SESETE is the Executive Director of the Research Center on Environment, Democracy, and Human Rights (Centre de recherche sur l’Environnement, la Démocratie et les Droits de l’Homme/CREDDHO) which advocates for peaceful co-existence, good governance, and human rights in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Translation from the French is informal and provided by the CICC Secretariat
The DRC is traversing a crucial period: one of reconstruction toward lasting peace and accountability. However, where you stand depends on where you sit. If the Congolese government choses to turn a blind eye toward perpetrators of war crimes, it is truly in spite of civil society’s valient efforts to end impunity. We can never pardon President Joseph Kabila for allowing army generals (the likes of Bosco Ntaganda, Jean Pierre Biyoyo) to remain at large for the sake of maintaining a so-called peace. We can never pardon those who are stained with the blood of their victims. We must see that justice is applied without delay. Alleged perpatrators must be stopped in their tracks. They continue to constitute a public danger within the ranks of the Congolese army and within the larger community. The Congolese government must contiue to cooperate with the ICC, notably in the arrest and transfer of alleged war crimals sought by the Court. The governement’s refusal to arrest Bosco Ntanganda and Jean Pierre Biyoyo will not pass muster with the Congolese people. The world too is watching. It is high time our leadership do the right thing.
Victor AMISI
Executive Director of Vision GRAM-International (www.gram-international.org)
Translation from the French is informal and provided by CICC Secretariat.