In the midst of ongoing conflict in eastern Congo, Jacques Djoli Eseng’Ekeli has emerged as a figure of intellectual rigor and political resilience, even as some Members of Parliament challenge his competence.
A graduate of the universities of Paris I and Kinshasa, and author of landmark works on constitutional law, Djoli has long been considered a stabilising force in the Congolese legislative landscape.
He served as a senator for Tshuapa and as vice-president of the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI), contributing to the management of electoral processes in turbulent contexts.
Yet a petition signed by 231 MPs recently labelled him “incompetent,” citing delays in the submission of parliamentary documents. Observers and colleagues have dismissed the allegations as politically motivated.
“To call him incompetent is to deny the obvious: he is a seasoned jurist whose skills have been repeatedly validated by Congolese and international institutions,” said one parliamentary insider.
Critics argue the petition is ill-timed. Eastern cities Goma and Bukavu remain under RDF/M23 occupation, displacing thousands and causing widespread insecurity.
Many view the parliamentary manoeuvre as a distraction from urgent matters, including military reinforcement and humanitarian relief.
“While soldiers are dying defending the country, civilians are fleeing atrocities, and the government is seeking $20 billion for reconstruction, some MPs are playing political chess,” said a senior official.
The petition has also raised concerns about its legitimacy, with reports of duplicate and questionable signatures, recalling previous politically driven attacks on figures such as Vital Kamerhe.
Analysts suggest the move reflects a struggle for control in Tshuapa and the former province of Équateur, rather than genuine concern over parliamentary procedure.
Supporters of Djoli emphasise that the Congolese people need decisive governance, not internal disputes, at a time when the FARDC requires urgent funding and civilians need protection.
“The country deserves better than these costly distractions. Rapporteur Jacques Djoli, with his calm and expertise, continues to serve Congo’s interests above all else,” the official added.
As the nation navigates war and reconstruction, Djoli’s steadfastness has become symbolic of intellectual resilience, highlighting the contrast between committed public service and political self-interest.
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