The clash between the Congolese Minister of Foreign Affairs, Christophe Lutundula, and the Ambassador of the Democratic Republic of Congo in Paris, Isabel Machik Tshombe, is coming to an end.
Last December, Christophe Lutundula accused Isabel Machik Tshombe of financial embezzlement amounting to several million euros. He had ordered her to return to Kinshasa before January 15, 2023.
However, the Council of State recently asked Christophe Lutundula to suspend the effects of his decisions and to close the proceedings against Isabel Machik Tshombe. The Council of State also ordered the minister to pay the salaries and benefits not received by the ambassador and to set a date for her return to her post.
In his correspondence, Christophe Lutundula blamed Isabel Machik Tshombe for a cash deficit of around 1.8 million euros for the sale of passports and visa fees. He also accused him of not having paid nearly 2.5 million euros to the public treasury since 2019, as well as of having granted himself illicit advantages and of having given them to other members of the diplomatic staff.
This arm wrestling between the minister and the ambassador has given rise to many tensions and controversies. But with the intervention of the Council of State, the outcome of this case seems to be taking shape. It remains to be seen what the final decisions will be taken by the President of the Republic.
It is important to emphasize that this case highlights the issues of transparency and integrity in the management of diplomatic affairs. The fight against corruption and financial embezzlement within government institutions remains a major challenge for the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
In conclusion, this affair between the Congolese Minister of Foreign Affairs, Christophe Lutundula, and Ambassador Isabel Machik Tshombe illustrates the tensions and conflicts that can arise within diplomatic representations. It also highlights the importance of transparency and rigorous financial management in these institutions