As former Justice Minister Constant Mutamba prepares to face the Court of Cassation in a high-profile public funds embezzlement case, renewed attention is being drawn to his controversial career trajectory across legal, academic, and political spheres in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Mutamba, who was sworn in as a lawyer at the Matadi Bar, was later expelled by the National Bar Association for misconduct, lack of professional respect, and irregularly establishing a legal practice in Kinshasa despite being registered in Matadi. According to disciplinary reports, he refused to comply with a summons issued by the Secretary of the Order under instructions from the Bar President.
His tenure as a board member of ONATRA, the national transport authority, under former President Joseph Kabila also ended in controversy. Mutamba was dismissed for alleged complicity with a business operator involved in litigation against ONATRA. He was accused of facilitating the delivery of falsified documents to support a fraudulent judgment against the institution.
In academia, Mutamba served as an assistant and later senior lecturer under Professor Nehemie Mwilanya at the Protestant University in Congo (UPC). His teaching privileges were suspended following allegations of grade manipulation and selling academic points to students.
Mutamba’s accreditation as a mining agent by the Ministry of Mines was also revoked after multiple violations of the mining code were documented.
Most recently, Mutamba was appointed Minister of State and Minister of Justice by President Félix Tshisekedi. However, he was compelled to resign in order to appear before the Court of Cassation in connection with a case involving the alleged misappropriation of public funds earmarked for the construction of a prison in Kisangani.
As political discourse intensifies ahead of the 2028 presidential elections, Mutamba’s supporters continue to portray him as a victim of political persecution, while critics cite his record as evidence of systemic abuse and ethical lapses.
The outcome of his trial, expected to be announced this week, could significantly influence both his political future and broader public trust in the Congolese justice system.
