DR Congo Justice Minister Restricted from Leaving Amid Corruption Investigation

The Justice Minister of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Constant Mutamba, is facing travel restrictions after a parliamentary vote lifted his immunity, paving the way for legal action against him concerning a corruption scandal involving $19 million. This amount was reportedly misappropriated from funds designated for the construction of Kisangani Prison in the Tshopo Province.

A formal travel ban was enacted by Prosecutor General Firmin Mvonde in a letter issued on June 16, 2025, directed to the Directorate General of Migration. This action references Article 83 of Organic Law No. 13/010, which outlines the procedures applicable before the Court of Cassation. Mvonde stated, “I hereby inform you that I have decided to prohibit the above-mentioned Mutamba from leaving the City of Kinshasa,” aligning with a resolution passed by the National Assembly on June 15.

The parliamentary decision followed a vote in which 322 out of 363 members chose to revoke Mutamba’s immunity, with only 29 opposing and 12 abstaining. This vote was based on the findings of a special commission that probed the alleged mismanagement of funds earmarked for the prison project.

During his testimony before the commission, Mutamba confessed to redirecting the funds to a shell company and issued a public apology. Nonetheless, he contends that he is a target of a political witch-hunt, alleging that senior officials, including Mvonde, are behind what he describes as a revenge scheme against him.

At just 37 years old, Mutamba was recognized as a vocal opponent of corruption and was appointed as justice minister in May 2024. However, recent social media activity has revealed allegations regarding his sudden accumulation of wealth, raising questions among the Congolese about the source of his riches since assuming office.

Additionally, he is accused of authorizing a no-bid contract worth $29 million with Zion Construction, where $19 million was transferred just one day after the firm opened its bank account. Notably, the funds did not come from the state treasury but were allocated from FRIVAO, a war reparations agency that operates under Mutamba’s jurisdiction.

In his defense, the minister cited ongoing disputes with Prime Minister Judith Suminwa and expressed that Mvonde should also face scrutiny, referencing claims of the prosecutor purchasing a €900,000 home in Belgium.

Legal proceedings are anticipated to commence at the Court of Cassation, and under Congolese law, Mutamba is expected to resign following the parliamentary vote. Once regarded as a promising figure for reform, Mutamba now confronts the likelihood of a trial and potential political ruin as the government intensifies its efforts to combat high-level corruption.