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In a twist of fate that many are calling poetic justice, Democratic Republic of Congo’s Justice Minister Constant Mutamba—who once called for the death penalty for embezzlers—is now under investigation for alleged misappropriation of nearly $20 million meant for war reparations. The National Assembly voted to authorize the probe, marking a dramatic turn for the 37-year-old minister known for his fiery rhetoric and hardline stance on corruption.
Mutamba, who assumed office in May 2024, had gained notoriety for proposing capital punishment for those who siphon public funds. But now, he finds himself at the center of a scandal involving a $40 million contract to build a prison near Kisangani. Prosecutors allege that Mutamba violated public procurement laws by awarding the contract to Zion Construction SARL—a company founded just months earlier with no proven track record or qualified staff.
According to the prosecution, Mutamba released nearly half the project’s budget—approximately $20 million—without the required approval from the Prime Minister. Even more controversially, the funds were drawn from a war reparations fund paid to the DRC by Uganda, intended to compensate victims of the 2000 conflict between Ugandan and Rwandan forces on Congolese soil.
Mutamba has denied any wrongdoing, claiming the accusations are part of a smear campaign orchestrated by political enemies. In a TikTok video posted earlier this week, he accused the country’s top prosecutor, Firmin Mvonde, of being part of a “mafia” determined to derail his efforts to prosecute former President Joseph Kabila, whom he has accused of treason over alleged ties to the M23 rebel group.
Despite acknowledging “errors” in the contract process, Mutamba insists the embezzlement claims are “imaginary and fictitious.” He offered an apology during questioning by a special parliamentary commission but maintained that the funds were used in good faith.
The National Assembly’s vote to authorize the investigation is only the first step. If sufficient evidence is found, lawmakers will need to vote again to lift Mutamba’s parliamentary immunity before formal charges can be filed. Speaker Vital Kamerhe confirmed the resolution’s adoption during a televised session, signaling that the case is being taken seriously at the highest levels of government.
The irony of the situation has not been lost on the Congolese public. Mutamba’s earlier calls for the death penalty for corrupt officials were part of a broader campaign to restore public trust in government institutions. His fall from grace now risks undermining those very efforts.
The DRC ranks among the world’s most corrupt countries, according to Transparency International. The Mutamba case has reignited debate over the effectiveness of anti-corruption measures and the need for greater transparency in public procurement.
As the investigation unfolds, many are watching closely to see whether the justice system will hold one of its own accountable—or whether this will become yet another case of impunity in a country long plagued by graft.