The Democratic Republic of Congo’s Justice Minister, Constant Mutamba Tungunga, has been barred from leaving the capital, Kinshasa, as prosecutors open criminal proceedings against him over allegations of embezzling public funds.
The travel ban, ordered by Prosecutor General Firmin Mvonde Mambu, follows a resolution by the National Assembly authorizing legal action.
Mutamba is accused of misappropriating public funds in violation of Congo’s penal code.
Mutamba, once a sharp critic of President Félix Tshisekedi, was unexpectedly appointed Justice Minister as part of a political realignment.
However, relations between him and the president have deteriorated in recent months.
In addition to the corruption case, Mutamba has sparked controversy through a series of blunt and provocative political statements, including threats against some Congolese politicians and public remarks that have worsened diplomatic tensions with neighboring Rwanda.
His threats of arresting foreign leaders and using force have further complicated already fragile relations between Kinshasa and Kigali, which remain strained over ongoing conflict in eastern Congo.
Neither Mutamba nor his legal team have commented on the charges or the travel restrictions.
The case comes at a delicate time for Congo, as it grapples with internal political divisions, regional security challenges, and mounting pressure to strengthen governance and accountability.
