Alleged embezzlement of funds in Bukanga-Lonzo: a contested decision for former Prime Minister Matata Ponyo
At the heart of the news in the Democratic Republic of Congo, former Prime Minister Augustin Matata Ponyo Mapon faces accusations of alleged embezzlement of funds intended for the Bukanga-Lonzo agro-industrial park, in the province of Kwango. While the collective of Matata Ponyo lawyers had requested a postponement of the trial due to the fragile health of their client, the Constitutional Court decided to judge the case “by default”.
Monday October 16, 2023, during the hearing, Matata Ponyo’s defense announced the illness of the former Prime Minister, currently undergoing treatment abroad, and requested a period of 60 days for their client can be judged under favorable conditions. However, the Constitutional Court rejected this request and decided to continue the trial in the absence of Matata Ponyo, asking his lawyers to withdraw.
This decision by the Constitutional Court sparked strong reactions from the defense and public opinion. Matata Ponyo’s lawyers denounced a violation of the right of defense and expressed their deep disagreement with this decision deemed unfair.
The accusations against Augustin Matata Ponyo relate to the embezzlement of $205 million intended for the construction of the Bukanga-Lonzo agro-industrial park. The former Prime Minister has always denied these accusations and defends himself fiercely.
It should be recalled that in November 2020, the General Inspectorate of Finance issued a report highlighting the misappropriation of $205 million out of the $285 million disbursed for the Bukanga-Lonzo park. This report designated Augustin Matata Ponyo as the “intellectual author” of this misappropriation.
It is interesting to note that the Constitutional Court twice declared itself incompetent to judge a former Prime Minister, in accordance with the law. However, she ultimately found herself competent to try Matata Ponyo for the same facts. This decision raised questions about its impartiality.
The trial currently taking place will, once and for all, shed light on the Bukanga-Lonzo affair and know the truth about the accusations made against Augustin Matata Ponyo. The final decision of the Constitutional Court will also be crucial for the political future of the former Prime Minister, whose presidential candidacy is on hold.
It remains to be seen how this matter will unfold and what conclusion will be drawn. In the meantime, it continues to spark lively debates and shake up the Congolese political landscape.