Audio By Carbonatix
A former justice minister in Congo was convicted for embezzling millions of dollars earmarked for a prison construction in the northern city of Kisangani and sentenced to three years' forced labour on Tuesday, a court ruled.
Supporters of the former minister, Constant Mutamba, have been protesting against the 37-year-old politician's arrest.
Last week, clashes between activists and police in Congo's capital, Kinshasa, forced the court to postpone the verdict.
Congo's attorney general was authorised in May to prosecute Mutamba, who served as minister in 2024 and 2025 under President Felix Tshisekedi.
Mutamba announced his resignation in June over the case involving the embezzlement of $19 million while denying the accusations.
The Court of Cassation, issuing the verdict and sentence, also barred Mutamba from standing for election for five years after serving his sentence, presiding judge Jacques Kabasele said.
Earlier this year, Mutamba backed the launch of legal proceedings against former President Joseph Kabila over his alleged links to the M23 rebel group.
Latest Stories
-
CSR must be measurable commitment, not a gesture of convenience – Ga Mantse tells mining companies
1 minute -
Ga Mantse urges mining industry to protect communities beyond the life of mines
16 minutes -
Empowerher in Upper West region
37 minutes -
Ga Mantse challenges mining stakeholders to consider long-term impact of Ghana’s mineral wealth
46 minutes -
Afenyo-Markin accuses GoldBod of mismanaging Ghana’s gold resources
47 minutes -
Non-interest banking products must meet required standards – BoG Governor to NIFAC
47 minutes -
Social licence to mine can be withdrawn – Ga Mantse warns mining companies
48 minutes -
X1 Energy Drink Division One Super Cup: Attram De Visser secure third place after late own goal
49 minutes -
‘A mine may close, but the community must not’ – Ga Mantse calls for sustainable mining
51 minutes -
UG Pro VC calls for an integrated risk management approach to tackle Ghana’s perennial flooding
58 minutes -
Parents can buy additional NaCCA-approved textbooks for children – Deputy NaCCA boss
1 hour -
Youth must have a real voice in national issues beyond jobs, creative arts – EU
1 hour -
AGTC: How women-led initiative is turning golf into jobs and tourism opportunities
1 hour -
Exporters call for single-digit interest rates to boost Ghana’s horticulture sector
1 hour -
Young political leaders must look beyond party lines to strengthen Ghana’s democracy – EU
1 hour