Augustin Matata Ponyo found guilty of stealing nearly $245 million in government funds.
A major corruption case in the Democratic Republic of Congo has ended with heavy penalties for two high-profile figures. Former Prime Minister Augustin Matata Ponyo was handed a 10-year sentence of forced labour by the country’s Constitutional Court after being found guilty of embezzling massive sums from public funds.
Money Meant to Fight Hunger Misused
The stolen funds, amounting to around $245 million, were intended for the Bukanga-Lonzo Agro-Industrial Park — a large farming project aimed at improving food security in the country. The development was seen as a hope for millions of Congolese suffering from hunger due to years of unrest and poor infrastructure.
Matata’s Political Future in Limbo
Matata, who served as Prime Minister between 2012 and 2016, had also held the position of Finance Minister before that. Once praised by the International Monetary Fund for economic reforms, his reputation has now taken a hit. He also leads the Leadership and Governance for Development (LGD) party and briefly ran for the presidency in the 2023 elections before pulling out.
Co-Accused Also Jailed, Both Barred from Office
Deogratias Mutombo, who was once governor of the Central Bank of Congo, was sentenced to five years of forced labour in connection with the same corruption case. The AFP reports that both men are barred from holding public office for five years once their sentences end.
Legal But Controversial Punishment
In DR Congo, forced labour is legal if ordered as a punishment by the court. This practice, though allowed under Congolese law, is closely monitored by international rights groups. Mutombo has not spoken publicly about the court’s decision.
Legal Team Denounces Judgment
Matata’s lawyer criticized the ruling, calling it unjust and politically charged. He told Reuters the court’s decision was not based on fair evidence but on political interests. Matata himself has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing since the beginning of the investigation.
Project Once Seen as a Turning Point Now Symbol of Failure
The Bukanga-Lonzo project, once hailed as one of Africa’s biggest farming ventures, was supposed to generate 22,000 jobs and reduce food shortages in the region. However, the scandal surrounding its collapse has sparked national outrage. Many now see the project as a symbol of mismanagement and betrayal of public trust.
