The case of embezzlement of funds allocated to the response to Covid-19 which affected the former Minister of Health, Hygiene and Prevention in the government of Sylvestre Ilunkamba, Eteni Longondo, has just experienced a new twist. Indeed, Congolese justice announced that it had cleared the former minister in this case.
According to Me Hugues Pulusi, lawyer for the former minister, the Court of Cassation confirmed the truth of the facts and considered that his client never misappropriated the funds for which he was accused. Me Pulusi also stressed that his client, who is a senior executive of the UDPS, the ruling party, is a serious and responsible man who has worked to save the people from the consequences of the Covid-19 pandemic.
The General Inspectorate of Finance (IGF) had accused Eteni Longondo of having embezzled more than 7 million dollars intended for the fight against the pandemic, but the former minister had always denied these accusations, arguing that the supporting documents were in full verification process at the time of the control. The Court of Auditors had ordered the former minister to return a sum estimated at 277,548 USD.
In this case, Eteni Longondo had been placed under a provisional arrest warrant and detained at the end of August at Makala central prison before being granted provisional release on September 15, 2021.
This decision of the Congolese justice puts an end to a long procedure and allows Eteni Longondo to regain his freedom. However, the political repercussions of this case could last and impact the image of the UDPS in power. The current management of power creates inequalities and fuels tensions in the country. Faced with these challenges, leaders from different territories are mobilizing to represent their community, like Hortense Kavuo Maliro, presidential candidate to defend the rights of people with disabilities