The Court of Cassation in the Democratic Republic of Congo has sentenced Constant Mutamba, former Minister of Justice, to 10 years of forced labor, along with his co-defendant Chançard Bolukola, who received a 7-year sentence. They were found guilty of embezzling over $20 million from the Frivao fund, established to compensate victims of Uganda's illicit activities in the country's northeastern region.
The Frivao fund was created to address the consequences of Uganda's activities in the 2000s. Mutamba and Bolukola were also stripped of their voting rights and eligibility for public office for five years and lost their right to rehabilitation. The court's decision was based on Mutamba's alleged interference in the management of the fund, despite it being an autonomous entity.
Constant Mutamba has rejected the sentence, calling it "purely political and arbitrary." In a handwritten letter dated September 20, he stated that the trial was expedited, lasting only two days, with no witnesses testifying and no evidence of embezzlement presented. Mutamba attributed his conviction to a "political and judicial cabal" led by President Félix Tshisekedi's entourage, who he claims are trying to tarnish his image due to perceived presidential ambitions.
Mutamba denied all allegations of financial mismanagement, stating that the $14 million was never disbursed and the $4 million from the ICCN was used for the rehabilitation of the Kisangani zoo. He also mentioned that the documentary project was completed at a cost of $650,000. According to Mutamba, the fund was managed autonomously, and as the Minister of Justice, he had no role in its management.
This is Mutamba's second conviction, with the first being a 3-year sentence in September 2025 for embezzlement of $19 million meant for a prison construction project in Kisangani. The former minister expressed his disappointment in the judicial process, citing the need for respect for the rights of the defense. He compared his trial to those under dictatorial regimes, criticizing the regime's priorities, especially given the recent release of M23 rebels.
Mutamba claimed that his adversaries intended his "physical elimination" but was spared due to divine protection. He urged his supporters to continue fighting against what he termed a "mafia-like system." Mutamba cited examples of historical figures who were imprisoned but went on to achieve great things, including Mandela, Lumumba, and Tshisekedi.
The case has sparked controversy, with Mutamba's supporters expressing shock and outrage at the verdict. As the former minister begins his appeal process, his supporters and the general public await further developments in the case. The incident raises questions about the role of politics in the judiciary and the protection of human rights in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Key points
- Constant Mutamba was sentenced to 10 years of forced labor for alleged embezzlement from the Frivao fund.
- Mutamba rejected the sentence, calling it "purely political and arbitrary."
- The case has sparked controversy, with concerns raised about the role of politics in the judiciary and human rights in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
