Kinshasa, September 21st, 2026. – The Minister in charge of State for Justice has ordered a judicial inquiry into the events that took place during the demonstrations on September 15th, 2026, in Kinshasa and other cities in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where incidents were reported, according to a statement.
‘The Minister in charge of State, Minister of Justice and Keeper of the Seals, has instructed the Attorney General at the Court of Cassation to proceed, in accordance with his legal powers, to launch a judicial investigation into the events that took place during the demonstrations on September 15th, 2026, in Kinshasa and in other towns and localities across the Republic where incidents were reported,” read in the statement from the Ministry of Justice’s communications unit.
According to the source, this investigation covers all incidents that may constitute a criminal offence, in particular acts of violence, injuries, destruction of property, alleged deaths, as well as arrests made in the context of these protests. “It should make it possible to establish, on the basis of evidence gathered in accordance with the law, the facts of the case, the circumstances surrounding them and, where applicable, the criminal liability of those involved, without prejudging the outcome of the proceedings,” the document has added. According to the Minister incharge of Justice, quoted in the press release, any person arrested or charged is entitled to the safeguards provided for by the Constitution and the laws of the Republic, in particular the presumption of innocence and the right to a fair trial. CPA/