Dieudonné Birere Munguwampaga
Country Program Manager
Originally from Bukavu in RDC, Dieudonné, became Programme Coordinator of DR Congo Bridges to Justice in 2017. Previous to this, Dieudonné worked with IBJ offering pro-bono legal services. He completed his undergraduate studies in Latin and Philosophy and then successfully graduated in Private and Judicial law from the University of Bukavu.
As well as qualifying as a defense lawyer, he obtained certificates in International Humanitarian Law and International Law. Dieudonné completed internships at the TGI de Bukavu and the Institut National de Sécurité Sociale, as well as working with the Fondation Solidarité des Hommes on projects regarding detention.
Additionally, he partnered with the American Bar Association on projects regarding children in conflict with the law. Dieudonné also teaches Law at the Centre Multimédia Langue et Métiers and at the Ecole National du Cadastre et des Titres Immobiliers in Bukavu.
Joëlle Munyerenkana Shabani
Volunteer Lawyer
Joëlle is a lawyer at the South Kivu Bar and serves as the Coordinator of the Network of Women Lawyers of DR Congo Bridges to Justice. She is also the Deputy Coordinator of AFASKI, the Association of Women Lawyers of the South Kivu Bar, and a founding member of the Coalition of Women Human Rights Defenders (CFDDH).
In recognition of her commitment to advancing women’s rights, she was awarded the African Women Access to Justice (AA2J) Fellowship in 2021–2022, a research grant focused on improving access to justice for African women.
She also took part in the sixth edition of the Francophone Regional Course on Statelessness and Nationality, organized by UNHCR’s Regional Office for West Africa in partnership with the Catholic University of Central Africa, at the Catholic Institute of Yaoundé (UCAC).
Koko Rukengeza
Volunteer Lawyer
Koko holds a degree in Economic and Social Law from the Official University of Bukavu since 2015. In September 2016, he was sworn in as a Judicial Defender at the Bukavu High Court and committed himself to defending the underprivileged in the prisons of Bukavu and Kabare.
In September 2017, he joined the team of DRCONGO BRIDGES TO JUSTICE, a local branch of International Bridges to Justice, where he worked for several years defending vulnerable people and advocating for their fundamental rights.
In September 2020, he was sworn in as a lawyer at the South Kivu Bar and joined the firm of Bâtonnier JEAN-CLAUDE BAGAYAMUKWE and Associates, where he continues to practice to this day.
He has received several trainings in the defense of fundamental human rights and ordinary people’s rights.
Prince Chibichabene Zigashane
Volunteer Lawyer
A licensed lawyer and judicial defender, Prince brings strong expertise in legal research, analysis, and the drafting of procedural documents, including pleadings and written submissions. He is also experienced in courtroom advocacy and legal argumentation.
He earned his law degree from the Official University of Bukavu in 2020 and further strengthened his academic training through a program at the Center of Expertise in Mining Sector Management. There, he took part in the “University Competition on Good Governance of the Mining Sector and EITI in the DRC,” held in March 2020.
His professional development includes internships at the Military Tribunal during his undergraduate studies and with the law firm of Maître Delphin Mugula and Associates. Since 2023, he has been completing a professional internship with DRCIBJ.
Known for his sense of responsibility, attentive listening skills, and dynamic approach, he is committed to upholding the highest standards in the legal profession.
Gloire Cigarhulirwa Cikuru
Volunteer Lawyer
Gloire holds a degree in Private and Judicial Law (Class of 2021–2022). Since 2023, he has been serving as a judicial defender at the Kavumu High Court.
His professional training includes an internship at the Bukavu High Court in 2019 and another at the General Directorate of Customs and Excise in South Kivu in 2020. Since 2023, he has also been completing his legal internship with DRCBJ.