The military justice system of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has issued an arrest warrant for Corneille Nangaa, the former head of the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI), accusing him of failing to prevent acts of torture during his tenure. The warrant, signed by Colonel Magistrate Mbuta Muntu Parfait, calls for Nangaa’s immediate arrest and transfer to the DRC for questioning and possible prosecution.
Nangaa, who currently leads the Alliance du Fleuve Congo (AFC), has come under scrutiny due to his alleged ties to the M23 rebel group, which recently seized control of Goma, a key city in eastern Congo. The DRC authorities have linked Nangaa to several human rights abuses, including the torture of a school director, as part of the ongoing conflict between the Congolese army (FARDC) and the M23 rebels.
The arrest warrant alleges that Nangaa used his position of authority to allow or fail to prevent acts of torture, a charge that has sparked significant concern over the violation of human rights amid the ongoing violence in eastern Congo. The torture incident reportedly took place during the escalation of clashes between M23 and FARDC forces in areas where Nangaa’s political influence is believed to be significant.
The DRC government has been under increasing pressure to hold individuals accountable for their involvement in human rights violations linked to the conflict, which has left thousands of civilians displaced and at risk. In recent months, international organizations and rights groups have criticized the government’s handling of the situation, urging for greater transparency and accountability for those allegedly complicit in atrocities.
Nangaa’s leadership in the AFC has raised suspicions about his political and military affiliations, particularly regarding the M23 group, which has long been involved in the ongoing instability in the region. The M23 has been accused of recruiting fighters from various armed factions and engaging in violent operations that destabilize the region and exacerbate the humanitarian crisis.
As the situation in eastern Congo remains highly volatile, the arrest warrant against Nangaa underscores the DRC’s efforts to hold key figures accountable for their roles in the protracted conflict. However, as of now, Nangaa or his representatives have yet to issue any formal response to the accusations or the warrant for his arrest.
This development marks a significant moment in the DRC’s long-standing struggle to address the root causes of instability and bring perpetrators of violence and human rights abuses to justice. The arrest warrant could have broader implications for political figures with ties to armed groups in the region, signaling the government’s intent to take a more aggressive stance in its efforts to resolve the crisis.
