The US State Department has just released a list of people banned from entering the United States for their involvement in acts of corruption. Among them, three Congolese civil servants have been appointed: Cosma Wilungula, Léonard Muamba and Augustin Ngumbi. Their respective wives, Rose Ngokali and Esther Mwanga Wilungula, were also declared ineligible to enter the United States.
According to the State Department statement, these individuals are accused of having abused their official positions by becoming involved in the trafficking of protected wildlife species from the Democratic Republic of Congo to China, in exchange for bribes. wine. Their corrupt transnational criminal action has not only undermined the rule of law and transparency of the Congolese government, but has also hampered wildlife conservation efforts.
This State Department action is intended to show that the United States stands with those in the DRC who are fighting wildlife trafficking and holding corrupt officials and transnational criminals to account. It also reaffirms the United States’ commitment to the fight against corruption, which harms the general interest and hinders the economic prosperity of nations.
These designations were made under the Overseas Business and Related Programs Appropriation Act of 2023. They exemplify the United States’ commitment to take strong action against corruption and to promote transparency and accountability in government.
This decision by the Department of State underlines the importance of international cooperation in the fight against corruption and wildlife trafficking. It also stresses the need to strengthen measures to prevent and punish these crimes, both at national and international level.
In conclusion, it is essential to emphasize that this initiative of the United States represents an important step in the fight against corruption in the DRC and in the protection of endangered wildlife species. There is a need for other countries to follow suit and take similar action to end these illicit practices and preserve global biodiversity