The Democratic Republic of Congo’s Appeal Court on Wednesday requested the lifting of Justice Minister Constant Mutamba’s immunity to allow for a judicial investigation into allegations of embezzling $19 million earmarked for a new prison project in Kisangani. Mutamba is accused of misappropriating nearly half of the $39 million budgeted for the prison’s construction. The contract, reportedly awarded without following public procurement procedures, has triggered calls for transparency and legal accountability.
The appeal comes just one year after Mutamba took office, where he vowed to reform what he called a “sick justice system” and committed to combating corruption and abuse of power. Following a presentation by Prosecutor General Firmin Mvonde, National Assembly President Vital Kamerhe announced that Parliament would not obstruct the investigation. A special parliamentary committee has been established to hear testimonies from both Mvonde and Mutamba before deciding on the lifting of immunity.
The African Association for the Defence of Human Rights (ASADHO) urged due process, stating that while Mutamba should be prosecuted if evidence of embezzlement exists, caution must be exercised in case the charges are politically motivated. The case highlights growing tensions between Mutamba and the public prosecutor’s office, which have reportedly intensified in recent months, raising questions about judicial independence and anti-corruption enforcement within the government.
