Several members of the government are implicated in a project to build a new prison in Kisangani. If this involves several ministries of the Judith Suminwa government, the citation of the Minister of Justice, who had set himself up as the man who fights corruption, is the most surprising. What we know so far:

The Cellule Nationale des Renseignements Financiers (CENAREF) has decided to block a sum of 19.9 million US dollars, initially earmarked for the launch of construction work on a prison in Kisangani, capital of Tshopo province. This action follows suspicions of financial embezzlement.

In a letter addressed to the Prime Minister, Adler Kisula Betika Yeye, Executive Secretary and First Advocate General of the Court of Cassation, stated that a payment had been made to ZION CONSTRUCTION SARL for the launch of the works. This payment was made on April 16, 2025, into an account opened one day earlier at RAWBANK, a private bank operating in DRC.

In a note, the Ministry of Finance clarified that no funds have been disbursed to finance the project to build a prison in Kisangani, contrary to what is being spread on social networks.

“No payment has been made, either by the Treasury or from an account under its management, in connection with a project to build a prison in Kisangani, as spread on social networks”. He goes on to say: “This matter has not been dealt with in any way by the Ministry of Finance”.

He believes that if the work had been financed, the payment process would have taken place in another financial structure not under the supervision of the Ministry, given that “in our country, there are bank accounts dedicated to specific projects and special accounts, which do not come under the jurisdiction of the Minister of Finance”. 

In response to these accusations, Minister Mutamba’s office denounced what it described as a cabal aimed at undermining the government’s efforts to combat corruption. It also denied allegations that a $39 million contract had been signed, calling the letter circulating on the web “imaginary and fictitious”.

The Minister announced that he was considering legal action for defamation and spreading false rumors.

Between CENAREF investigations, ministerial denials and contradictory documents, this affair raises serious questions about the management of public funds. At a time when the government is embarking on “anti-corruption reforms”, this case could become a symbol of the abuses it claims to be combating.

To be continued …

Written by Akilimali Chomachoma

Caption 1: Constant Mutamba, Congolese Minister of Justice visiting the prison of Kisangani

Caption 2: View of Kisangani’s prison from outside