President Félix Tshisekedi has officially retired Jules Alingete Key, who had served as the Director-General of the General Inspectorate of Finance (IGF) in the Democratic Republic of Congo since 2020. He will be replaced by Christophe Bitasimwa Bahii, who was previously head of Tshisekedi’s office.
In a statement broadcast on the national radio and television (RTNC) on Wednesday, the president announced this transition.
In a media interview, Alingete thanked President Tshisekedi for the trust placed in him over the five years he led the country’s top financial watchdog.
He said:
“I wish joy and success to Mr. Christophe Bitasimwa in his new role as head of the IGF. I also thank the President of the Republic for the trust he placed in me over these past five years.”
Alingete played a prominent role during Tshisekedi’s first term, especially in combating the misuse of public funds and corruption. He was known for his outspoken stance in the media, where he often condemned those he described as “criminals enriching themselves from state resources.”
During the last Christmas holidays, Alingete called on those caught by the IGF for theft to repent and turn away from corruption, saying:
“To all those accused of theft—whether arrested or on the run—I urge you to abandon embezzlement and repent.”
He also responded to threats made against him, stating that those wishing him dead or removed from office were misguided, reminding them:
“Even Jesus Christ died and resurrected on the third day. My life is in God’s hands.”
In February 2024, he declared that constant criticism of the IGF was proof that “the fight against corruption is bearing fruit,” and condemned “the demons, evil plans, and intimidation” targeting the institution.
One of the most high-profile cases during his tenure was the Bukanga Lonzo agro-industrial project. In October 2024, Alingete publicly accused former Prime Minister Augustin Matata Ponyo of embezzling $208 million in connection with the project.
