A former prime minister of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Augustin Matata Ponyo, has been sentenced to ten years of forced labour after being found guilty of embezzling approximately $245 million in public funds. The ruling was delivered by the country’s Constitutional Court, which also convicted Deogratias Mutombo, the former governor of the DRC’s central bank, in the same case.
The funds in question were intended for a significant agricultural development project aimed at addressing the country’s chronic food shortages. The project, the Bukanga-Lonzo Agro-Industrial Park, was envisioned as one of the largest agricultural investments in Africa. It was expected to create around 22,000 jobs and alleviate food insecurity for millions in a nation where over 28 million people currently face acute hunger.
Matata, who served as prime minister from 2012 to 2016, now leads the Leadership and Governance for Development (LGD) party. Before his tenure as prime minister, he served as finance minister and was widely acknowledged for bringing a level of economic stability to the country.
The court ruling marks a dramatic turn in Matata’s political career. His lawyer has dismissed the decision as politically motivated, suggesting it was driven more by politics than justice. Matata had previously positioned himself as an opponent to President Felix Tshisekedi, even launching a campaign against him in the 2023 presidential election before eventually withdrawing.
Deogratias Mutombo, who served as the central bank governor, received a five-year sentence of forced labour. He has not commented on the ruling. Both men have also been banned from holding public office for five years following the completion of their respective sentences.
The legal proceedings trace back to 2020 when the country’s Inspectorate General of Finance released findings indicating the misuse of funds allocated for the Bukanga-Lonzo project. The financial scandal surrounding the failed agricultural initiative sparked public outrage, particularly due to its implications for national food security.
The Bukanga-Lonzo project was envisioned as a solution to the longstanding issue of food insecurity in the DRC. With decades of conflict having destabilised the region, many saw the agricultural park as a potential turning point for the country’s economy and humanitarian situation. Its collapse, now linked to large-scale embezzlement, has only deepened public disillusionment.
The use of forced labour as a criminal penalty is legal in the DRC when ordered by a court. Although such sentences raise concerns internationally, they remain part of the country’s penal code. In this case, the severity of the sentence reflects the magnitude of the alleged corruption and its impact on national development efforts.
This case adds to the growing number of high-profile corruption cases in the country, as authorities attempt to signal a tougher stance on mismanagement and financial misconduct. Whether this ruling will translate into broader institutional reforms remains to be seen.
The conviction of Matata and Mutombo represents a significant moment in the DRC’s political and judicial landscape, as it brings one of the most high-profile corruption cases in recent history to a close. The long-term effects on public trust, political dynamics, and anti-corruption efforts will unfold in the months and years to come.
