- Politique
In a significant move to bolster the judicial system in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Guillaume Ngefa, the Minister of State for Justice and Keeper of the Seals, met with Firmin Mvonde Mambu, the Prosecutor General at the Court of Cassation. Their discussions took place this Tuesday, July 7, 2026, within the Minister’s office in Kinshasa, the capital of the RDC. This high-level meeting underscores the ongoing commitment to ensuring the effective operation of the nation’s justice institutions.
The central themes of their exchange included the progression of judicial proceedings initiated by ministerial directives, alongside broader issues affecting the functioning of the magistracy. Following the meeting, Firmin Mvonde Mambu conveyed that the dialogue focused on current judicial matters and the status of ongoing investigations.
“We addressed recent developments, exchanging views on specific cases, particularly those where we received injunctions to initiate judicial procedures. It is only right that the Minister is kept informed of our investigative progress. The meeting served to review all these injunctions collectively,” stated the Prosecutor General after their discussions.
Both officials also delved into concerns pertinent to the body of magistrates. Firmin Mvonde indicated that a subsequent meeting is anticipated soon, as part of continued consultations between the Ministry of Justice and the Superior Council of Magistracy.
“We needed to examine certain issues specifically related to the magistracy. I believe that in the coming days, another meeting will be held as part of the ongoing consultations between the Ministry of Justice and the Superior Council of Magistracy,” he clarified.
When questioned about the advancement of current investigations, the Prosecutor General reiterated that the inquisitorial nature of criminal procedure mandates adherence to the secrecy of the inquiry. Regarding the travel ban imposed on Jules Alingete, the former Inspector General of Finance, the Prosecutor General at the Court of Cassation, according to the communication unit of the Minister of State for Justice, dismissed any allegations of ministerial interference in this matter.
“An injunction is issued, and then investigations commence. You understand that, in our system, the procedure is inquisitorial, meaning it remains confidential. I am bound by this professional secrecy, which I cannot disclose, even to the Minister. However, I am obligated to report to him so he knows the stage of what he initiated. But to reveal to the public the details of my investigations, I will not do; that would be a betrayal of my oath,” he explained.
Firmin Mvonde concluded by emphasizing the shared vision between the prosecution and the Ministry of Justice concerning the execution of governmental policy in judicial affairs.
“We reached an agreement on all ongoing efforts. By looking in the same direction, we are best positioned to translate the government’s justice policy into action,” he affirmed.
This crucial meeting between the two prominent figures takes place as the Court of Cassation has issued a summons for Constant Mutamba Tunungwa, former Minister of Justice and Keeper of the Seals, and Chançard Bolukola Osony, interim coordinator of FRIVAO. They are scheduled to appear for a hearing on July 13, 2026.
According to the document dated July 3, 2026, Constant Mutamba, currently hospitalized at the Harmonie Medical Center in Gombe commune, and Chançard Bolukola, held in pre-trial detention at Makala central prison, will face the Court of Cassation, which will sit in repressive matters, as the first and final instance.
Beyond this specific case, the prosecution at the Court of Cassation is also actively investigating the incidents and violence that followed a recent opposition demonstration. In connection with these events, several individuals have been questioned by judicial authorities. Among them is Joseph Olenghankoy, president of the National Council for the Monitoring of the Agreement and Electoral Process (CNSA), who was heard regarding allegations he made concerning the outcome of the protest.
Separately, opposition figure Delly Sesanga reported being prevented from leaving the country for Europe. He stated that the Directorate General of Migration (DGM) informed him of a summons originating from the prosecution at the Court of Cassation.
