The National Assembly of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) voted on Sunday, June 15, to authorize the prosecution of Minister of State, Minister of Justice, and Keeper of the Seals, Constant Mutamba Tungumba.
The vote, with 322 in favor out of 363 total votes, paves the way for his indictment before the Court of Cassation on accusations of embezzling public funds related to a prison construction project.
During a plenary session in Kinshasa, Congolese deputies adopted the resolution by a large majority (322 votes in favor, 29 against, and 12 abstentions). This decision grants the Attorney General at the Court of Cassation permission to initiate proceedings against the minister, in accordance with Articles 153 and 166 of the Constitution. The authorization follows the findings of a special commission, established by the National Assembly on June 11, which was tasked with examining the prosecutor’s request and determining potential responsibilities.
Minister Mutamba is suspected of having authorized an advance payment of US$19 million to Zion Construction in April 2025, for a prison construction project in Kisangani. According to the prosecutor’s office, Zion Construction, established only a year prior, lacked both a physical location and qualified personnel. Furthermore, the payment was allegedly made outside of legal procedures, including into an unauthorized private account. A verification mission reportedly found that the construction site has not yet begun, despite the disbursement of funds.
The withdrawal of Mr. Mutamba’s parliamentary immunity now clears the path for a formal indictment before the Court of Cassation. Mutamba, who denies the accusations and claims political conspiracy, had unsuccessfully attempted to dismiss Attorney General Firmin Mvonde.
This case unfolds amidst a broader effort to strengthen the fight against corruption and impunity within Congolese institutions. Vital Kamerhe, Secretary General of the Assembly, highlighted that this decision marks “an important turning point in the affirmation of the political and judicial accountability of members of the government.”
AC/Sf/fss/abj/APA