Marthe Odio Nonde and Aristide Kahindo Nguru: New Appointments at the Constitutional Court
Marthe Odio Nonde, former First President of the Council of State, and Professor Aristide Kahindo Nguru have been appointed as judges at the Constitutional Court. This announcement was made following a series of ordinances read on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, on the national channel (RTNC). Marthe Odio Nonde joins the Constitutional Court under the Presidency quota, while Aristide Kahindo Nguru enters under the Parliament quota. These two individuals succeed Professor Jean-Pierre Mavungu Mvumbi-di-Ngoma and Corneille Wasenda N’songo, respectively.
Transition of Power
Former Director of Cabinet of the President of the National Assembly, Aubin Minaku, Jean-Pierre Mavungu Mvumbi-di-Ngoma, from the Presidency quota, and former national deputy Corneille Wasenda N’songo, from the Parliament quota, are leaving the Constitutional Court in accordance with the provisions of Article 6, paragraph 1, of Organic Law No. 13/026 of October 15, 2013, on the organization and functioning of the Constitutional Court. This article stipulates that members of the Court serve a non-renewable nine-year term.
In a previous ordinance, Marthe Odio Nonde, who succeeded Professor Félix Vunduawe as First President of the Council of State, was retired by President Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi. According to this ordinance, she had completed over 25 years of uninterrupted service, justifying her retirement with the benefits of emeritus and honorarium.
Role of the Constitutional Court
The Constitutional Court, as the highest jurisdiction, plays a crucial role in the rule of law in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It rules on the constitutionality of laws, acts with the force of law, edicts, internal regulations of parliamentary chambers, Congress, democracy support institutions, and regulatory acts from administrative authorities. Additionally, it handles interpretation appeals of the Constitution and resolves jurisdictional conflicts between legislative and executive powers, the State and provinces, and different judicial orders.
Moreover, the Constitutional Court has the authority to judge the President of the Republic and the Prime Minister. It also oversees electoral matters, ensuring the regularity of presidential and legislative elections nationally, as well as referendums.
As these new appointments take effect, the Constitutional Court continues to uphold the principles of justice and legality in the DRC, ensuring the protection of democracy and the rule of law.
Expert Commentary: Upholding Justice and Democracy
“Marthe Odio Nonde and Aristide Kahindo Nguru bring a wealth of experience and legal expertise to the Constitutional Court. Their appointments signal a commitment to upholding justice and democracy in the DRC,” said legal expert Sophie Mbuyi.