THE FALL OF CONSTANT MUTAMBA SHOWS HOW POWER CORRUPTS AND THEN BETRAYS
When the National Assembly voted to allow a judicial investigation against Constant Mutamba, the so-called Minister of Justice, it was not a surprise. It was only a matter of time. The man who once called himself a reformer now stands accused of the same crimes he claimed to fight — corruption, abuse of power, and the manipulation of state institutions for personal gain.
The prosecutor at the Court of Cassation said Mutamba used his influence to pressure the deputy director of the Public Procurement Control Department, demanding that she approve a contract for a company that did not even exist. He allegedly ordered the release of 39 million US dollars without the knowledge or authorization of the Prime Minister, Judith Suminwa. Forty million dollars — gone — in a country where hospitals have no medicine and children study under trees.
Yet Mutamba still insists he is innocent. He says he is a victim of a plot from those inside the justice system who fear his “reforms.” But what reforms can come from a man who breaks the law to serve himself? What justice can come from a minister who uses intimidation and shortcuts? It is always the same story in Congo — every thief calls himself a patriot, every corrupt official says he is being “targeted.” They all hide behind the same words while the people continue to suffer.
The truth is, this case exposes the deep rot in our justice system. The very house that should protect truth is built on lies. Mutamba was not an outsider — he was the head of the system. If the Minister of Justice himself is corrupt, then how can we trust the courts, the police, or the prosecutors? This is why the people no longer believe in institutions. Because those who run them are the first to abuse them.
For years, Mutamba spoke loudly about fighting the “Kuluna,” the young men from the streets accused of violence. He wanted to execute them to show he was tough on crime. Now he stands accused of stealing millions, yet no one calls for his execution. The poor die for stealing bread, while the rich sleep in comfort after stealing from the nation. This is not justice — it is mockery.
The vote by the National Assembly to hand him over to the courts is historic, yes. But will it lead to real accountability? Or is this another political performance, another battle between rival factions of the same corrupt elite? We have seen this game too many times. Today it is Mutamba. Tomorrow it will be someone else. They destroy one man to protect the others.
Still, this case matters because it reveals the sickness at the heart of our government. Mutamba’s arrogance shows how power turns men into gods in their own eyes. He refused to even appear before the prosecutor, saying he was above the system. That alone should be proof of guilt. In a real democracy, no one is above the law — not even the Minister of Justice.
But in Congo, the law is often a weapon for the strong and a trap for the weak. It bends depending on who holds the gun, who has the money, or who controls the party. The system does not serve the people. It protects itself. And that is why corruption keeps returning, no matter who is in power.
This scandal will not end with Mutamba’s arrest or conviction. It must lead to something bigger — a complete cleansing of the justice system. Judges, prosecutors, and ministers must be held to the same standard as the citizens they claim to serve. Until that happens, Congo will continue to be ruled not by justice, but by fear and deceit.
For now, the people are watching. They have seen many men rise with promises and fall with disgrace. Mutamba’s story is only one more chapter in a long book of betrayal. But every fall brings us closer to the truth — and the truth will not stay buried forever.