Impact des dysfonctionnements du Tribunal de Paix de TSHILENGE sur l'accès à la justice

Abstract

Access to justice is a fundamental right enshrined in national and international legal instruments. However, at the Peace Tribunal of TSHILENGE (Kasaï-Oriental province, DRC), this right remains hindered by structural, organisational and human dysfunctions. This study analyses the impact of these dysfunctions on citizens’ access to fair and effective justice, over the period 2015-2025. A mixed-method approach was employed: quantitative surveys of litigants, qualitative semi-structured interviews with judicial actors and direct observations. Results reveal chronic staffing shortages, dilapidated infrastructure, limited understanding of judicial procedures, widespread recourse to informal mechanisms, and pervasive perceptions of corruption. These factors contribute to prolonged judicial delays, case abandonment and distrust of the formal justice system. The study recommends robust reinforcement of human resources, rehabilitation of infrastructure, implementation of reception and legal mediation services, awareness raising among users, and strict disciplinary oversight to restore citizens’ trust.