Former Congolese PM Matata Ponyo Sentenced to 10 Years Forced Labour for Corruption

In a landmark ruling that marks the end of a protracted legal saga, former Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Augustin Matata Ponyo, has been sentenced to ten years of forced labour for embezzling public funds.

The 60-year-old politician, once a powerful figure in Congolese politics and a challenger to President Félix Tshisekedi in the 2023 election, was found guilty by the country’s Constitutional Court of misappropriating up to $247 million. The charges stem from a failed agro-industrial pilot project in Bukangalonzo, launched during his tenure in government.

The court also convicted two other individuals in connection with the scheme. Deogratias Mutombo, the former governor of the Central Bank, received a five-year sentence of forced labour and a five-year ban from holding public office. A South African businessman involved in the project received a similar sentence and will be deported following completion of his term.

A Scandal Rooted in a Failed Development Project

The case revolves around a controversial $285 million initiative aimed at jumpstarting agricultural development 250 kilometres southeast of Kinshasa. In November 2020, a report by the country’s public finance watchdog, the General Inspectorate of Finance (IGF), alleged that $205 million of the budget had been siphoned off. The IGF pointed to Matata as the chief architect behind the financial misconduct—an accusation he has repeatedly dismissed as “slanderous.”

Despite his denials, the court ruled in favour of the prosecution after nearly four years of legal back-and-forth, including jurisdictional disputes between different branches of the judiciary. Originally heard in 2021, the case was stalled when the Constitutional Court claimed it had no authority to try former prime ministers. It was later rerouted to the Cour de Cassation—only to be sent back to the Constitutional Court in 2022.

Political Fallout and Accusations of Bias

Matata, now leader of the opposition Leadership and Governance for Development (LGD) party, has denounced the verdict as politically motivated. His lawyer, Laurent Onyemba, called the ruling “iniquitous” and insisted it proves the trial was a thinly veiled political maneuver.

The former PM’s political standing took a further hit with the five-year ban from public office, a move that all but ends any near-term prospects of a return to leadership. This development is especially significant given Matata’s previous role as finance minister and later prime minister under former President Joseph Kabila from 2010 to 2016.

In the run-up to the 2023 presidential election, Matata initially launched a campaign against President Tshisekedi but eventually dropped out, throwing his support behind opposition candidate Moise Katumbi. He accused Tshisekedi’s administration of planning “massive electoral fraud”—a charge the government has denied.

Tshisekedi’s Anti-Corruption Drive

President Tshisekedi, who campaigned on a platform of anti-corruption, has emphasized his commitment to holding public officials accountable. Under his watch, several key allies of ex-President Kabila have been prosecuted and sentenced for similar offenses.

Tuesday’s verdict adds another high-profile name to that list and could bolster Tshisekedi’s image as a reformer ahead of any future political moves. However, critics argue that the selective pursuit of justice may reflect political expediency more than a genuine effort to root out systemic corruption.

As Matata begins serving his sentence, the case is likely to remain a flashpoint in Congolese politics, raising questions about the balance between justice and political retribution in one of Africa’s most resource-rich but governance-challenged nations.