Fatshimetrie, September 26, 2024 – A case of embezzlement of military funds in the Democratic Republic of Congo is currently making a lot of noise. Major General Bruno Mpezo and Consorts are accused by the Auditor General of the Armed Forces of the DRC of having embezzled funds intended for the 34th military region.
During a recent hearing before the High Military Court in Kinshasa, the Auditor General pointed out irregularities in the expenditures of December of the previous year. In particular, a disbursement of 6,000 US dollars was made without supporting documents, raising suspicions about the management of the allocated funds. The Auditor also expressed his opposition to the introduction of additional expenditure records not included in the initial file of the defendants.
The defendants, including Major General Mpezo, attempted to defend themselves by explaining that the supporting documents were not missing but that they had not had time to regularize the expenses before their arrest. They claimed that the money had been used to ensure security during the visit of the Head of State and that the expenses should be regularized later.
The defendants’ arguments were reinforced by Colonel Mboma Patrick, who stressed the urgency of the expenses and the fact that their arrest had prevented the regularization of the funds at the time of the monthly balance sheet. Despite these explanations, the public prosecutor is prosecuting the defendants for embezzlement of 20 thousand US dollars intended for the defense of the city of Goma in December 2023.
The High Military Court adjourned the case to October 3, 2024 to continue the debates. The defendants continue to proclaim their innocence and rely on the principle of freedom of evidence in criminal matters. This case highlights the challenges of transparency and fund management in the DRC’s military institutions.
It is essential to ensure the proper use of resources allocated to the country’s defense and security, in order to ensure the trust of citizens and the stability of institutions. This case highlights the importance of the fight against corruption and compliance with financial procedures to preserve the integrity of the armed forces and strengthen governance in the Democratic Republic of Congo.