Corruption Trial of Mutamba Highlights Cracks in Democratic Republic of Congo's Judicial System

Former Congolese Justice Minister Sentenced to Three Years of Hard Labor for Embezzlement

In a landmark ruling, the Court of Cassation in Kinshasa has sentenced Constant Mutamba, a former justice minister in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, to three years of hard labor. The sentence was handed down due to Mutamba's conviction for embezzling $19.9 million in public funds intended for the construction of a prison in Kisangani.

The court ruled that Mutamba did not follow due process and sought illicit enrichment. The conviction of Mutamba has been perceived by some as a case of settling scores in politics, given his past association with former President Joseph Kabila and his subsequent formation of his own political party.

Before being appointed justice minister, Mutamba was close to Joseph Kabila but later formed his own political party and contested the 2023 Congolese elections as a presidential candidate, winning less than 1% of the vote. His first steps in politics were taken in Kisangani, alongside Senator Jean Bamanisa.

Mutamba resigned over the case in June 2025, arguing that he is a victim of a political plot and vowing to fight the charges until the end. His political supporters, including Gentil Sefu, a Congolese resident based in Kisangani, view him as a "political prisoner."

Human rights activist Lambert Bakonda applauded the justice system's handling of the case but expressed concern about selective justice. The ex-minister's case is seen as a test for how seriously the Congolese government is cracking down on corruption in the country.

The Congolese government has remained relatively quiet regarding Mutamba's conviction, with spokesperson Patrick Muyaya deflecting questions. Therese Bosambi, coordinator for the Youth of Hope organization in Kisangani, claimed that the government's silence is indicative of a cover-up.

In response to the ruling, major roads leading to the court in Kinshasa were blocked, and dozens of security force members were deployed before the ruling to deter protests. The court also barred Mutamba from standing for election for five years after serving his sentence.

President Tshisekedi appointed Mutamba as justice minister in 2024, where he proposed the death penalty for public officials accused of embezzling public funds and backed legal proceedings against the former President Joseph Kabila. However, his tenure was cut short by the embezzlement charges.

The conviction of Constant Mutamba serves as a reminder of the need for transparency and accountability in the management of public funds in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Corruption Trial of Mutamba Highlights Cracks in Democratic Republic of Congo's Judicial System