A Congolese court has sentenced former justice minister Constant Mutamba to three years of forced labour after convicting him of embezzling $19 million intended for the construction of a prison in Kisangani, the country’s third-largest city.
The Court of Cassation delivered the verdict on Tuesday, ruling that Mutamba, 37, not only misappropriated public funds but also violated the trust of his office. Presiding judge Jacques Kabasele announced that Mutamba will be barred from standing for election for five years after completing his sentence.
Mutamba, who served under President Félix Tshisekedi in 2024 and 2025, had resigned in June following his arrest, though he maintained his innocence. His supporters have staged protests against his detention, with clashes between activists and police in Kinshasa last week forcing the court to delay its ruling.
The case stems from $19 million earmarked for building a prison in Kisangani, which prosecutors said was diverted under Mutamba’s watch. Congo’s attorney general authorised his prosecution in May, clearing the way for the high-profile trial.
Mutamba’s fall from grace is particularly striking given his recent prominence. Earlier this year, he championed legal proceedings against former President Joseph Kabila, accusing him of ties to the M23 rebel group.
The conviction underscores President Tshisekedi’s administration’s pledge to tackle corruption at the highest levels of government. However, the sentencing has also fuelled political tensions, with critics suggesting it may be part of a wider power struggle in Kinshasa.
Melissa Enoch
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