President Félix Tshisekedi has signed a decree establishing a specialised criminal court to prosecute economic and financial crimes in Democratic Republic of the Congo, in a move aimed at strengthening the country’s fight against corruption.
The decree-law, signed on Saturday, creates a new judicial body dedicated to handling complex financial offences, including corruption, money laundering, fraud, currency counterfeiting and the embezzlement of public funds.
Authorities say the new court is intended to reinforce the country’s justice system and improve the prosecution of economic crimes, which remain widespread and have long undermined public finances and governance.
Until now, many cases flagged by financial watchdogs or oversight bodies have struggled to progress through the judicial system. In numerous instances, investigations stalled because magistrates lacked the technical expertise required to handle sophisticated financial crimes.
The specialised court will operate with two levels of jurisdiction: a trial chamber responsible for hearing cases at first instance, and an appeals chamber tasked with reviewing decisions.
Officials estimate that at least 40 judges will be required to staff both chambers. However, identifying suitable candidates could prove challenging. Judges appointed to the new court are expected to have specialised knowledge in financial and economic law as well as demonstrate strong professional integrity.
The initiative is part of broader efforts by the government to strengthen accountability and improve the management of public resources.
Under the decree, the new court must become operational within three months of the law entering into force. Authorities will now need to recruit qualified magistrates and establish the administrative and logistical framework required for the tribunal to begin its work.
