In Bunia, digital tools are advancing military justice. Since May 2026, MONUSCO’s Justice Support Section, through its Prosecution Support Cell, has been supporting the weekly organization of a “Legal and Digital Café” at the Superior Military Prosecutor’s Office in Bunia, Ituri. The sessions are held in a technical training room established through MONUSCO’s Quick Impact Projects (QIP) funding.
This capacity-building platform brings together around fifteen key actors from the military justice chain, including military magistrates, investigators, and judicial police officers. It aims to enhance their technical skills in handling digital evidence, improve the quality of investigations, and strengthen the overall functioning of military justice.
Addressing the challenges of digital evidence
The initiative responds to a key reality: modern justice increasingly depends on the ability to collect, analyze, and secure reliable digital evidence. Strengthening these capacities directly contributes to more robust investigations and to the fight against impunity.
Led by a MONUSCO expert, the sessions focus on practical, operational topics. On 5 May 2026, participants explored file metadata (EXIF), learning how to determine the date, location, and authenticity of images while distinguishing technical analysis from legal standards governing evidence.
On 21 May, discussions focused on image verification in the era of artificial intelligence, using a four-step method — source, authenticity, date, and location — and identifying signs of digital manipulation to mitigate misinformation risks.
On 3 June, the session addressed cybersecurity in judicial work, highlighting essential measures such as strong passwords, two-factor authentication, regular updates, data backups, and the protection of sensitive devices.
“Each week, during the Legal and Digital Café, we tackle concrete technical challenges, strengthening the added value of digital tools in enhancing the rigor of the investigations I lead,” said Colonel Joseph Makelele, Senior Military Prosecutor at the Ituri Military Court.
An inclusive and structured approach
Beyond its technical content, the initiative stands out for its inclusive approach. Tools and materials are available in French, English, Swahili, and Lingala, ensuring broad accessibility and effective uptake by participants.
By improving the management of digital evidence, the “Legal and Digital Café” strengthens the effectiveness of the military criminal justice chain in Ituri. It facilitates case processing, enhances judicial performance, and supports efforts to combat impunity, in line with MONUSCO’s mandate.
Strengthening the rule of law
In accordance with its mandate, MONUSCO supports judicial institutions in Ituri through technical, logistical, and operational assistance. This includes capacity building, provision of equipment and infrastructure, and support for investigations and mobile court hearings, particularly in cases involving serious crimes, including international crimes and conflict-related sexual violence.
These efforts also contribute to improving the efficiency of the justice system by reducing prolonged pretrial detention and prison overcrowding through faster case processing and improved access to justice, including in remote areas.
The next “Legal and Digital Café” is scheduled for 10 June 2026 in Bunia
Jean-Tobie OKALA
