Ruptly
"Military tribunals resumed operations in Uvira after a prolonged breakdown of the justice system following months of insecurity and armed group activity in the eastern Congolese city. Footage filmed on Thursday shows military personnel, judges and officials attending court sessions as proceedings restart under military jurisdiction. "For us, as a population, we are so happy, because we need to know that the authority of the State must be restored here in Uvira," shared a resident, Kiza Mugingi. He added that people "are truly satisfied to see today that every offender, everyone prosecuted by the justice system, is finally beginning to face it as it exercises its powers. For us, this will help us eradicate criminals and also restore the rule of law in our community here in Uvira." Legal advocate Ghislain Barhahiga Kabamba said the resumption of tribunals was necessary after a long institutional vacuum, noting that "judicial activities have been absent from the city of Uvira for a long time," and underscoring that there were 'many military offences' in the area. "It was essential that the military tribunal be able to resume its work," the lawyer stressed. He also referred to widespread abuses during the period without functioning courts, saying, "There have been killings, assassinations, torture, and many human rights violations, [...] rapes and sexual violence committed in Uvira," and remarking that victims previously had no access to justice. Justice Ministry Chief of Staff Gaston Osango proclaimed restoring military justice was the priority upon deployment "because there was still insecurity." He added that institutions were now gradually returning, noting that 'the Uvira High Court is operational', while work continues to restore civil justice services fully. The eastern region of the Democratic Republic of Congo has faced prolonged instability linked to armed groups, including M23 rebels and local militias, leading to widespread violence, displacement and the weakening of state institutions. Uvira, near the border with Burundi, has been among the most affected areas."
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