Title: Matata Ponyo summoned by the Constitutional Court: Back to the cases of embezzlement of public funds
Introduction :
In a recent decision, the Attorney General at the Constitutional Court issued a summons to senator and former Prime Minister Matata Ponyo. The latter is summoned to respond to accusations of embezzlement of public funds related to the case of Zairianized property and the Bukanga Lonzo Agro-Industrial Park. Despite a previous invitation that remained unanswered, Matata Ponyo will have to appear before the Constitutional Court this Wednesday, July 12.
Cases of embezzlement of public funds:
The lawsuits against Matata Ponyo follow two cases of embezzlement of public funds. The first concerns the debacle of the Bukangalonzo agro-industrial park project, where more than 250 million dollars were embezzled according to a report by the General Inspectorate of Finance. Matata Ponyo was then Prime Minister and is suspected of having played a role in these embezzlements.
The second case concerns the funds intended for the compensation of the former owners of the Zairianized properties. As Minister of Finance, Matata Ponyo reportedly signed a memorandum of understanding in 2011 to allow the Congolese government to compensate these people. However, investigations carried out revealed that no trace of the 300 creditors was found within the Directorate of Public Debt Management. Matata Ponyo would have disbursed more than 100 million dollars and 27 million euros between 2010 and 2013 without apparent justification.
Reactions and legal developments:
After his parliamentary immunities were lifted, Matata Ponyo was brought before the Constitutional Court. However, the latter initially declared itself incompetent to try him as a former Prime Minister. The file was then transferred to the Court of Cassation which, in turn, seized the Constitutional Court through an action for interpretation of the Constitution. The Constitutional Court finally asserted its jurisdiction to try Matata Ponyo.
Faced with these lawsuits, Matata Ponyo responded by filing acts of recusal and complaints against the Attorney General at the Constitutional Court and the President of the Senate Bahati Lukwebo. The legal twists and political tensions surrounding this case further complicate the legal process.
Conclusion :
The summoning of Matata Ponyo by the Constitutional Court in the context of the cases of embezzlement of public funds marks an important step in the fight against corruption in the Democratic Republic of Congo. This case highlights the need for independent and transparent justice to fight against impunity for acts of corruption. The outcome of Matata Ponyo’s trial will be a test for the Congolese judicial system and a strong signal sent to all those who engage in illegal practices