Former Prime Minister of DR Congo, Matata Ponyo has been sentenced to ten years of force labour after being found guilty of embezzling a staggering $245 million in public funds. The conviction was delivered by the Constitutional Court in Kinshasa on May 21, 2025.
Matata Ponyo, who served as Prime Minister from 2012 to 2014, was convicted alongside Deogratias Mutombo, the former governor of the DRC’s central bank.
The court’s decision marks a significant step in the country’s ongoing efforts to combat corruption and restore public trust in government institutions.
The case has drawn considerable attention due to the scale of the embezzlement and the high-profile status of those involved.
Prosecutors argued that Matata and Mutombo exploited their positions to illegally divert substantial public funds intended for national development projects.
In delivering the verdict, the court emphasized the need for accountability and transparency in governance, stating that such actions undermine public confidence and hinder progress in the nation.
The sentencing has sparked mixed reactions among citizens. While many applaud the ruling as a necessary measure against corruption, others express concerns about the effectiveness of such penalties in deterring future misconduct among public officials.
Story Written By Adu Kingsley | Kobby Kyei News
