The former Minister of Justice of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Constant Mutamba, appeared in court for the first time on Wednesday, July 9, in a public hearing before the Court of First Instance, where he responded to charges brought against him by the Prosecutor General over alleged embezzlement of state funds—charges he denies.
The Prosecutor General’s Office accuses him of embezzling $19 million USD, funds initially allocated for the construction of a prison in Kisangani. These funds were originally meant for a special compensation fund for victims of the Six-Day War between Uganda and Rwanda.
On June 9, the Prosecutor General, Firmin Mvonde, submitted a request to the National Assembly of Congo seeking authorization to prosecute Mutamba. This was required before the trial could begin, following a prior investigation.
On June 15, the National Assembly granted the request. The former minister now faces trial after being questioned twice by the prosecution. During the third session, he was represented by his lawyers.
Later, Mutamba rejected the entire prosecution, accusing it of being biased and driven by personal vendettas. However, the prosecutor urged him to remain calm throughout the remaining proceedings.
Following the allegations, Mutamba resigned from his position on June 17 in a letter addressed to Prime Minister Judith Suminwa, as recalled by Radio Okapi. In the letter, he praised what he called his “heroic reforms” launched during his tenure at the Ministry of Justice.
This case is being closely followed both nationally and internationally. It not only raises questions about financial management in the ministry, but also touches on the integrity of a high-profile politician known for his open attacks on judges—strained relationships that have now turned tables, as it is those same judges who now preside over his fate.
