On Tuesday, DR Congo’s Justice Minister, Constant Mutamba, appeared before prosecutors investigating allegations of embezzling $39 million allocated for constructing a new prison in Kisangani. Accompanied by 20 lawyers, Mutamba had previously stated he would not cooperate with the prosecutor, whom he accused of also being implicated in misconduct.
The investigation centers on claims that Mutamba authorized a $19 million advance payment to Zion Construction SARL—a company established in March 2024 with minimal staff and capital—without following proper procurement procedures or obtaining approval from the Prime Minister. The funds reportedly came from FRIVAO, a compensation fund intended for victims of the 2000 conflict between Uganda and Rwanda in Kisangani.
Mutamba has denied the allegations, labeling them as politically motivated. Social media footage showed supporters, including his staff, escorting him to the prosecutor’s office while chanting his innocence.
Last week, the National Assembly voted to lift Mutamba’s immunity, allowing legal proceedings to commence. Upon exiting the prosecutor’s office on Tuesday, Mutamba declined to comment to the press.
