The Democratic Republic of Congo and Belgium have strengthened their judicial cooperation, with a focus on executing international rogatory commissions. On September 30, 2026, the Congolese Minister of Justice, Guillaume Ngefa Atondoko Andali, met with a Belgian judicial delegation led by Judge Paul Van Santvliet and Federal Magistrate Liesbet Masschelein. The meeting aimed to enhance cooperation between the two countries in handling judicial procedures requiring investigative acts abroad.
The cooperation between the two countries focuses on international rogatory commissions, which enable a competent authority in one country to request another country's judicial authorities to perform specific procedural acts. The Congolese government emphasizes that the implementation of these commissions must adhere to Congolese legislation and respect national sovereignty. Minister Guillaume Ngefa stated that the country remains open to strengthening cooperation while preserving its sovereignty and promoting the rule of law.
The meeting also addressed the fight against transnational crime, corruption, and illicit financial flows. These issues require increased coordination between judicial authorities across multiple countries. The Congolese government highlighted the importance of cooperation in this area, particularly in cases involving economic and financial crimes that may involve companies, bank accounts, assets, or intermediaries in multiple jurisdictions.
The two countries have agreed to pursue their discussions to consolidate cooperation between Congolese and Belgian judicial institutions. This cooperation will not only focus on individual judicial procedures but also on enhancing the capacities of justice actors. Effective judicial cooperation depends on both the legal instruments in place and the ability of magistrates and other stakeholders to utilize them efficiently.
The Congolese Minister of Justice assured the Belgian delegation that Congolese authorities are committed to facilitating acts of mutual assistance within the country's jurisdiction, provided that legal procedures are respected and the secrecy of investigations is maintained. This assurance is crucial in the context of ongoing investigations that may involve sensitive information and procedures.
The strengthened cooperation between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Belgium reflects the growing recognition of the need for international collaboration in addressing complex crimes. By structuring their cooperation, the two countries aim to improve the efficiency of their judicial systems in handling transnational cases and combating crimes such as corruption and organized crime.
Key points
- The Democratic Republic of Congo and Belgium have strengthened their judicial cooperation to combat transnational crime, corruption, and illicit financial flows.
- The cooperation focuses on executing international rogatory commissions and enhancing the capacities of justice actors.
- The two countries have agreed to pursue their discussions to consolidate cooperation between their judicial institutions.
