New trial opens against former justice minister Constant Mutamba

On Monday, July 13, 2026, a new trial began before the Supreme Court of the DRC involving former Justice Minister Constant Mutamba. The case, known as Affaire FRIVAO, centers on the management of funds from the Compensation and Reparations Fund for Victims of Uganda’s unlawful acts in Congo (FRIVAO).

The trial follows allegations that over $50 million USD was misappropriated. According to court records, the funds were released prior to approval from the General Directorate for Public Procurement Oversight (DGCMP).

Mutamba, in a letter dated July 4, denounced what he called political persecution and vowed to appear in person to “tell the truth.”

Another key figure in the case is Chansar Bolukola, former interim director of FRIVAO, currently detained at Makala Central Prison. Bolukola has repeatedly claimed he authorized the payments based on verbal instructions from Mutamba during his tenure as Justice Minister.