Jean-Claude Mputu is the spokesperson for the Congolese anti-corruption platform The Congo is not for sale (CNPAV). It brings together national and international organizations and some members participated in the survey Congo Hold-up which reveals “that at least” 138 million dollars were embezzled by the clan of the former president of the Democratic Republic of Congo Joseph Kabila. Interview with Jean-Claude Mputu.
Franceinfo Africa: the Congolese knew the extent of corruption in the DRC. How do they react since the revelations of the “Congo Hold-up” investigation?
Jean-Claude Mputu: there are two types of reactions. On the one hand, there is that of a large part of the population which is both scandalized and disillusioned. She thinks the corruption is huge, but what will it do because the authorities themselves are involved. On the other hand, more in the minority, there is the reaction of supporters of former President Joseph Kabila who, in the name of ad hoc patriotism, cry out for a plot, Western and imperialist, while the facts are what they are. Finally, there are obviously committed organizations that hope that this time, with all the evidence that there is, we will be able to provide a certain number of answers to the question of impunity and grand corruption at the level of political power.
How are these revelations unprecedented and game-changing in the fight against corruption in the DRC?
If nothing is done, it will be a missed opportunity because unlike other revelations, the scale is unmatched and above all the veracity of the facts and elements is proven. Here, we can accurately trace the route of the diverted millions, by whom and for what they were used. It’s still the largest database of documents – millions – on corruption in Africa. If the national authorities do not act, it is because there is a problem with their will to fight corruption. All the Congolese people are aware of this and I think they will become, little by little, more demanding in order to hold them to account.
You were hoping for legal action. How have the justice system and the Congolese state reacted since?
I have just told a few deputies that I have met again, and I have noted the lack of reaction in political circles. There is no reaction and it is scandalous to see that such a scandal does not elicit more reaction than a simple interview with the government spokesperson where he says that an investigation will be opened. In addition, justice can self-seize but it does not do it. For the moment, apart from speeches and words, there are no acts. And we are waiting for action.
What do you think of Vital Kamerhe’s parole at a time when activists hope to see the Congolese state fight more actively against corruption?
For the population and the partners of the Congo, the timing of this release poses a problem as to the government’s real will to fight corruption since Vital Kamerhe was sentenced at first instance and on appeal. Even if his sentence is not final, his release sends a bad signal, especially since it comes after the parole of former Minister of Health Eteni Longondo involved in a scandal linked to Covid-19. Once again, this release of Vital Kamerhe poses a series of questions because all the actors involved in the “100 Days Trial” are all at large today. However, given the enormity of the sums involved and the problems detected, one wonders about the role and independence of the judiciary. Especially since we see some supporters of the UNC (Union for the Congolese Nation, Vital Kamerhe’s party, Editor’s note) thank the Head of State for this release. However, we have not yet had access to the judgment of the Court of Cassation to see the motives and reasons that are invoked. We are waiting to see and we will consider it all more calmly.
How to explain that corruption is so endemic in the DRC? Is it somehow “proportional” to the wealth of the country?
We will say that it is at the same time “proportional” and responsible for all the ills of the country. Beyond the millions that are pointed out in big business, corruption is present in all the life of the Congo. It is undoubtedly one of the few countries in the world where, within the administration, there is no price list and where everything is negotiated by word of mouth. It is enough to look on the roads at the way in which the agents assigned to road traffic keep taking money from the population. Corruption is truly the evil and the scourge that is destroying this country.
What is the situation of whistleblowers in Congo? How do you feel when you campaign against corruption like you?
The situation is uncertain and dangerous. The whistleblower is on his own. Two of our colleagues – Gradi Koko Lobanga and Navy Malela, whistleblowers in the Afriland First Bank CD case – are still sentenced to death by a Congolese court. They are in exile for the moment. Threats continue to weigh against activists, not to mention various pressures. We must pay tribute to all these people who risk their lives and sometimes endanger their families to denounce cases of corruption and defend the general interest.