Recent sanctions imposed by the US State Department on Cosma Wilungula, former director general of the Congolese Institute for Nature Conservation (ICCN), have highlighted acts of corruption that have seriously affected wildlife management wild in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). These accusations of trafficking protected species and tampering with permits have not only tarnished the image of Wilungula, but also that of the Congolese government and wildlife conservation efforts in the country.
According to information from the US State Department, Cosma Wilungula and two associates abused their public functions by participating in the trafficking of chimpanzees, gorillas, okapis and other protected wildlife species from the DRC. These animals were illegally transported to China in exchange for bribes and through falsified permits. These acts are considered transnational crimes that not only undermine the rule of law and transparency of the Congolese government, but also jeopardize long-standing wildlife conservation efforts.
Cosma Wilungula, a 62-year-old preacher at the head of an evangelical church, served for sixteen years as Director General of ICCN. During this period, he had won the confidence of the regime of Joseph Kabila, but his tenure was marred by accusations of mismanagement, including embezzlement of several million dollars. He was also accused of having taken unilateral decisions and concluded arrangements without the approval of the government.
Despite these accusations and Wilungula’s attempts to get his job back by going to court, he was eventually suspended from his job in 2021 and had to resign. The American sanctions therefore reinforce the charges against him and are a blow to his reputation.
These events raise questions about the need to strengthen the fight against corruption and wildlife trafficking in the DRC. It is essential to preserve biodiversity and protect endangered species, such as the lowland gorillas that Kahuzi-Biega National Park is home to. Congolese authorities must take concrete steps to combat these illegal practices and restore confidence in the country’s wildlife management.
In conclusion, the sanctions imposed on Cosma Wilungula and his collaborators highlight the acts of corruption that have affected the management of wildlife in the DRC. It is now essential to strengthen measures against corruption and cash trafficking to preserve biodiversity and restore confidence in the management of Congolese wildlife