Constant Mutamba, the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s Minister of Justice, has confirmed he was poisoned, according to a statement from the Ministry of State on Saturday. The discovery was made after the minister underwent medical tests amidst suspicions of poison exposure in his office.
The scientific police investigation revealed a white powder on various office items such as tables, chairs, computers, ventilators, and documents. Additionally, a strange liquid was found in the refrigerator, and a pungent-smelling gas was detected emanating from a clear substance in the office washroom. Several other individuals who had been in Mutamba’s office also tested positive for poisoning.
A subsequent statement from Mutamba’s office confirmed that arrangements are underway for his medical treatment and recovery. The poisoning incident has raised serious questions regarding the safety of high-ranking officials in the DRC, where political tensions are often high.
In response, Jean-Claude Katende, president of the African Association for the Defense of Human Rights, condemned the assassination attempt, branding it an effort to obstruct the judicial reforms Mutamba has been championing. Katende urged the Congolese populace to support these reforms, aimed at dismantling entrenched mafia networks affecting the country’s judicial, political, and economic systems.
Since taking office on May 29, alongside 53 other ministers appointed six months after President Tshisekedi’s inauguration, Mutamba has sought to implement significant changes in the justice system. These include the release of 527 prisoners from Makala central prison and enhancements to prison conditions. His forthcoming plans include establishing an independent prosecution office and an anti-corruption court aimed at combating the chronic embezzlement of public funds.
This incident underscores the peril faced by reformers in a nation where systemic corruption has long persisted. The full article detailing these developments is available here.