Today’s article takes you to the heart of the news in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where the Bukanga Lonzo case continues. Yesterday, the Constitutional Court met to consider this case which has raised serious concerns among the Congolese population.
The audience was opened by First President Kamuleta, in a serious and solemn atmosphere. The lawyers for the three defendants, Augustin Matata, Grobler Christo Stephanus and Deogratias Mutombo, were present to assist their clients.
However, the process faced obstacles from the start. The exploits concerning Senator Augustin Matata could not be deposited at his residence due to the absence of his staff. The clerk therefore had to go to the municipality to try to send him the mail from the Constitutional Court. Unfortunately, the mayor refused to assume this responsibility, which led the Court to declare that it was not seized with regard to this defendant.
Grobler defendant Christo Stephanus, meanwhile, posed another problem. The exploits of the clerk indicated two different addresses, one in South Africa and the other in Kinshasa. Given that the defendant was not duly attacked, the Court also declared itself not seized with regard to him.
Only Deogratias Mutombo Muana Nyembo, the former Governor of the Central Bank and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Insurance Sector Regulatory Authority, was regularly contacted at his address in Kinshasa. He was called to the bar and the Court proceeded to verify his identity, his family and professional situation. The surrender in his case was declared contradictory.
The Constitutional Court therefore decided to postpone the hearing to September 4, 2023, in order to allow the clerk to expedite the summonses to the exact addresses of the other two defendants. Defense lawyers also expressed their difficulties in accessing the case file and Prime President Kamuleta gave instructions to remedy this quickly.
As a reminder, the Bukanga Lonzo case concerns the legal proceedings initiated against former Prime Minister Augustin Matata in the context of the Bukanga Lonzo agro-industrial park project. This project, touted as a great government success, encountered many logistical problems and conflicts of interest. Alleged embezzlement was revealed and some equipment purchased was never used.
This affair has aroused strong indignation among the Congolese population, considering the Bukanga Lonzo agro-industrial park as a real waste of resources. The case is still ongoing and we will follow its development closely.
Sources:
– Actu1