RDC: Denise Dusauchoy Instruction Préjuridictionnelle Confirmed by Ngefa

• TikToker Denise Mukendi Dusauchoy, a critic of the Kinshasa regime, was arrested in Tanzania in late August.
• She was subsequently extradited to Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo.
• As of October 24, 2026, Ms. Dusauchoy has not been presented before her "juge naturel."
• Guillaume Ngefa stated that her case is currently in the "instruction préjuridictionnelle" phase.
• The ongoing situation raises concerns about due process and judicial timelines in politically sensitive cases.

The delay in presenting Ms. Dusauchoy to such a judge, particularly after her extradition, underscores concerns about the timeline of judicial proceedings in politically sensitive cases within the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Denise Mukendi Dusauchoy, a well-known personality on TikTok, was taken into custody in Tanzania towards the end of August. Following her apprehension, the individual, who has been openly critical of the Kinshasa regime, was then transferred to the Congolese capital. Despite these developments, Ms. Dusauchoy has not yet been presented before her designated "juge naturel," a fundamental principle in legal proceedings.

According to a statement attributed to Guillaume Ngefa on October 24, 2026, the legal file concerning Denise Mukendi Dusauchoy is currently in the "instruction préjuridictionnelle" phase. This declaration from Guillaume Ngefa clarifies the procedural stage of the case, indicating that while investigations are underway, formal judicial proceedings before a judge have not yet commenced. The Tiktokeuse Kinshasa extradition has brought her into the DRC's legal system, but her journey through it is still in its preliminary stages.

The concept of "instruction préjuridictionnelle" in the RDC refers to the preliminary investigation stage, where evidence is gathered and facts are established before a case is formally brought before a court. While this phase is a standard part of the legal process, the extended period without Denise Mukendi Dusauchoy appearing before her "juge naturel" raises questions regarding due process. The principle of the "juge naturel" ensures that an individual is tried by a competent, impartial, and legally designated court, rather than a specially appointed or extraordinary tribunal.

The delay in presenting Ms. Dusauchoy to such a judge, particularly after her extradition, underscores concerns about the timeline of judicial proceedings in politically sensitive cases within the Democratic Republic of Congo. The absence of this crucial step, as highlighted by Guillaume Ngefa's declaration, means that the formal judicial oversight that typically follows an arrest and extradition has not yet been fully engaged. This situation prompts scrutiny into the procedural safeguards afforded to individuals, especially those who have voiced criticism against the government.

The ongoing situation surrounding Denise Mukendi Dusauchoy holds significant implications for the application of legal principles and human rights in the DRC. As a public figure known for her critiques of the current administration, her case is viewed through a lens of political sensitivity. The protracted "instruction préjuridictionnelle" phase, coupled with the failure to bring her before her "juge naturel" since her extradition from Tanzania in late August, sets a precedent for how the Congolese legal system handles individuals perceived as dissidents.

This case serves as a critical indicator for observers monitoring the adherence to due process and the independence of the judiciary in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The timeline of judicial proceedings, particularly in cases involving individuals critical of the regime, is often scrutinized for potential political interference or undue delays. The continued detention of the Tiktokeuse without presentation to a natural judge, as confirmed by the statement regarding the RDC instruction préjuridictionnelle, highlights the challenges in ensuring timely and transparent legal processes for all citizens.

Lawyers should monitor this case for precedents regarding the application of due process, the principle of the 'juge naturel,' and the timeline of judicial proceedings in politically sensitive extradition cases within the DRC, particularly concerning individuals critical of the regime.

Source: Original reporting via a Congolese news source