Imminent trial for former Congolese Prime Minister Augustin Matata Ponyo. As part of the case of embezzlement of funds intended for the agro-industrial park of Bukanga-Lonzo, the Attorney General at the Constitutional Court issued a second summons to appear against Matata Ponyo. After having ignored several invitations and previous mandates, the former head of government is called to appear to be heard on the facts of which he is accused.
The charge relates to the embezzlement of 205 million dollars of public funds intended for the realization of the agro-industrial park project. Matata Ponyo and his co-defendants are suspected of having embezzled a large part of the funds allocated to the project. The former Prime Minister, for his part, claims to have “stolen no dollar” and denounces the instrumentalization of justice for political ends.
This case, which began in May 2021, has had many twists and turns. The Court of Cassation declared itself incompetent to try Matata Ponyo, thus leaving the Constitutional Court to pursue the proceedings. The accused challenged the Attorney General and the President of the Senate, even filing complaints at the Court of Cassation against them.
This new summons highlights the tensions between Matata Ponyo and the power in place. The dispute could be linked to the former prime minister’s refusal to join the Sacred Union of the Nation, President Tshisekedi’s platform. Nevertheless, the government emphasizes the importance of justice for all citizens and recalls that no one is above the law.
It now remains to be seen how Matata Ponyo’s trial will unfold and what evidence will be put forward by the prosecution. This case highlights the challenges of the fight against corruption in the Democratic Republic of Congo and the need to guarantee the integrity of public funds for the development of the country.
In conclusion, the case of embezzlement of funds intended for the Bukanga-Lonzo agro-industrial park continues to be talked about with the summons of former Prime Minister Augustin Matata Ponyo. This trial is attracting public attention and raising questions about the fight against corruption and impunity in DR Congo. It remains to be seen how this case will develop and what the consequences will be for those involved