Constant Mutamba, the Democratic Republic of Congo’s Minister of State for Justice, is under scrutiny over allegations of attempting to siphon off millions through a private contract linked to the construction of a prison in Kisangani, located in the country’s northeast.
On Tuesday, June 17, Mutamba held a closed-door meeting with the president that lasted around 45 minutes. While no official statement followed, insider sources indicate that the minister signaled his intention to step down within hours.
The legal framework gives little leeway—ministers facing charges are mandated to resign within 48 hours. Mutamba is currently assembling his legal defense in preparation for proceedings before the Court of Cassation. At the request of the court’s Attorney General, he has been barred from leaving Kinshasa, and an arrest remains a possibility.
Once Seen as a Reformer, Now Entangled in Allegations
At just 37, Mutamba’s political career has been marked by swift ascents and bold positions. A presidential candidate in 2023, he secured sixth place before being elected as a national deputy. In May 2024, he was unexpectedly appointed as Justice Minister.
Known for his reformist stance and vocal opposition to judicial corruption, Mutamba quickly became a controversial figure among magistrates. His calls for transparency and ethical governance gained attention—until he found himself at the center of the very kind of scandal he pledged to fight. The alleged misuse of public funds through the Kisangani prison deal now threatens to undo his carefully built image.