Former DR Congo PM Sentenced 10 Years Hard Labour Corruption

Augustin Matata Ponyo, former Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), was sentenced to ten years of forced labor for embezzling approximately $245 million of public funds, primarily from the Bukanga-Lonzo Agro-Industrial Park, a major agricultural project aimed at alleviating food shortages. Deogratias Mutombo, former governor of the DRC's central bank, received a five-year forced labor sentence in the same case, with both barred from holding public office for five years after completing their sentences. Matata, who served as finance minister and prime minister, has denied the charges, claiming the ruling is politically motivated, especially since he opposed President Felix Tshisekedi in the 2023 election. The corruption case has unfolded over nearly four years, following initial reports by the country's Inspectorate General of Finance in 2020 about the theft of public funds intended to create jobs and address food insecurity. Forced labor sentences are legal in the DRC when imposed by a court, according to the US State Department. The case highlights ongoing challenges in governance and corruption within the DRC, despite Matata's previous praise for stabilizing the country's economy.