President Félix Tshisekedi Swears In New Constitutional Court Judges
On Tuesday, February 11, 2025, President Félix Tshisekedi presided over the swearing-in ceremony of two new judges of the Constitutional Court, whom he appointed on January 15. The newly appointed judges are former President of the Council of State, Marthe Odio Nonde, and Professor Aristide Kahindo Nguru. The ceremony took place in the Congress Hall of the Palais du Peuple in accordance with the constitution and the organic law on the organization and functioning of the Constitutional Court.
In attendance were the President, government officials, members of parliament, senators, members of the Superior Council of the Judiciary, and other prominent civilian and military figures. Marthe Odio Nonde and Aristide Kahindo Nguru solemnly swore to fulfill their duties as members of the Constitutional Court of the DRC with loyalty and impartiality, in accordance with the Constitution. They pledged to maintain the secrecy of deliberations and votes, refrain from public statements, avoid providing private consultations on matters within the Court’s jurisdiction, and uphold the independence, impartiality, and dignity of the Court.
Marthe Odio Nonde represents the presidential quota in the Constitutional Court, while Aristide Kahindo Nguru comes from the parliamentary quota. They succeed Professor Jean-Pierre Mavungu Mvumbi-di-Ngoma and Corneille Wasenda N’songo, respectively. The former Director of Cabinet for the President of the National Assembly, Aubin Minaku, Jean-Pierre Mavungu Mvumbi-di-Ngoma, from the presidential quota, and former national deputy Corneille Wasenda N’songo, from the parliamentary quota, are stepping down from the Court in line with the non-renewable nine-year term limit for Court members.
In addition to the two new judges, President Félix Tshisekedi also acknowledged the swearing-in of John-Prospère Moke Mayele as the Attorney General of the Constitutional Court, replacing Jean-Paul Mukolo Nkokesha. The Constitutional Court serves as a crucial pillar of the rule of law in the DRC, adjudicating on the constitutionality of laws, acts with the force of law, decrees, internal regulations of parliamentary chambers, Congress, democracy support institutions, and regulatory acts from administrative authorities. The Court also handles interpretation appeals of the Constitution and mediates disputes between legislative and executive branches, between the State and provinces, and among different judicial orders.
Furthermore, the Constitutional Court holds jurisdiction over the impeachment of the President and Prime Minister, as well as electoral matters, such as the validity of national presidential and legislative elections and referendums. As the highest legal authority in the country, the Court plays a pivotal role in upholding the constitution and ensuring the proper functioning of the democratic system.
In a country that has seen its fair share of political turmoil and legal challenges, the appointment and swearing-in of new Constitutional Court judges mark a significant step towards strengthening the judicial system and upholding the rule of law. The commitment of these judges to impartiality and adherence to the Constitution underscores the importance of maintaining a fair and just legal framework in the DRC. As the nation continues to navigate complex legal and political landscapes, the role of the Constitutional Court remains vital in safeguarding democracy and ensuring accountability among the country’s leadership.