In an effort to stamp out corruption in the judiciary, President Joseph Kabila of the Democratic Republic of Congo has decided to sack 165 judges and prosecutors. The president of the Supreme Court and the state prosecutor were amongst the ten percent ousted after recommendations made by a Congolese legal disciplinary body.

President Kabila has run the country since 2001 but has come increasingly under pressure to deliver on electoral campaign promises he made in 2006 to eradicate graft that is undermining development.

Justice Minister Luzolo Bambi Lessa said it was just the beginning and would prepare the judiciary to launch the fight against corruption. Many large corporations have magistrates "in their pockets" or even have "their judge".

But President Kabila has said that judges now have to choose: either serve the DRC or hurt the people - who have had their share of sorrow from years of conflicts - even further.

Other sectors will also be targeted, including the military courts. The army and the country's mineral sector are also known to be among the most corrupt institutions.

photo by CabreraLetelier (flickr)