Prince Epenge Procès Kinshasa: Postponed Over Procedural Irregularity

• The trial of opposition figure Prince Epenge began on November 11, 2026, at the Tribunal de paix de Kinshasa-Gombe, held at Makala Central Prison.
• The proceedings were immediately adjourned to November 25 due to a procedural irregularity, as Epenge's lawyers stated he received notification of the hearing on the same day.
• The court declared itself 'non saisi' regarding Prince Epenge, despite the Public Ministry, which initiated the case, being present.
• Epenge, president of ADD Congo and spokesperson for Lamuka, faces charges of spreading false rumors concerning the death of activist Manassé Lomboto.
• Defense lawyers reported that a request for Prince Epenge's sanitary evacuation, citing his declining health, was denied.

The court's declaration of being 'non saisi' regarding Prince Epenge, despite the Public Ministry's presence, highlighted a significant procedural anomaly at the outset of the trial.

The trial involving opposition figure Prince Epenge and the Public Ministry commenced on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, before the Tribunal de paix de Kinshasa-Gombe. The proceedings were held at Makala Central Prison, where Epenge is detained. Following the formal identification of the defendant, who serves as the president of the ADD Congo political party and spokesperson for the Lamuka platform, the court immediately postponed the case to November 25 due to a significant procedural irregularity.

Defense attorneys for Prince Epenge highlighted that their client received notification of the hearing date on the very day it was scheduled to take place. This late notification prevented proper preparation for the defense. Furthermore, Kizito Tshibembe, one of Epenge's lawyers, expressed surprise that the court declared itself "non saisi" (not seized) of the case concerning Prince Epenge, despite the Public Ministry, which initiated the legal action, being present and ready to proceed.

Prince Epenge faces charges of "propagation de faux bruits," or spreading false rumors, within the RDC. These accusations stem from his assertion that activist Manassé Lomboto died as a direct result of injuries sustained during an opposition march. This demonstration, organized by opposition groups, took place in Kinshasa on September 15.

Epenge, a prominent political figure known for his close ties to Martin Fayulu, used his platform as the president of ADD Congo and spokesperson for Lamuka to make these claims. The prosecution's case centers on refuting these statements and holding Epenge accountable for allegedly disseminating misinformation that could incite public unrest.

During the brief court appearance, Prince Epenge's legal team also voiced serious concerns regarding his deteriorating health. They formally requested a sanitary evacuation for their client, citing the urgent need for medical attention due to his declining condition.

However, this request for a medical transfer was ultimately denied. The decision to refuse the sanitary evacuation adds another layer of contention to the ongoing legal battle, raising questions about the welfare of the accused while in custody and during the judicial process.

The court's declaration of being 'non saisi' regarding Prince Epenge, despite the Public Ministry's presence, highlighted a significant procedural anomaly at the outset of the trial. This legal term implies that the court did not consider itself properly empowered or informed to hear the case at that moment, often due to a failure in formal procedural steps. Coupled with the defense's complaint about same-day notification, these issues point to potential irregularities in the `irrégularité procédure pénale RDC`.

Such procedural missteps can have profound implications for the fairness and legitimacy of a `procès Prince Epenge Kinshasa`. The adjournment to November 25 will allow for these procedural issues to be addressed, but they underscore the importance of strict adherence to legal protocols in the Congolese judicial system, particularly in high-profile cases involving political figures like the `ADD Congo président procès`.

Lawyers practicing in the DRC should note the procedural irregularities highlighted in this case, specifically regarding the notification of hearings and the court's jurisdiction ('non saisi'). These issues can form grounds for challenging proceedings or appealing decisions, emphasizing the need for meticulous procedural compliance by all parties in Congolese courts. Additionally, the refusal of a sanitary evacuation for a defendant raises concerns about due process and humanitarian considerations within the judicial system.

Source: Original reporting via Briefly.