The Democratic Republic of Congo’s Justice Minister, Guillaume Ngefa, has publicly denounced corruption within the country’s legal profession, raising concerns about practices surrounding the ongoing trial pitting the State against former president Joseph Kabila.
Speaking out on Tuesday, Ngefa said he personally refused to sign certain documents presented to him, noting they lacked official court hearing reports.
His remarks highlight irregularities that he claims compromise the credibility of the case and erode public trust in the justice system.
The minister further clarified that a controversial payment of 2.4 million US dollars to State lawyers had been made before he assumed office.
He distanced himself from the transaction, suggesting that it formed part of the entrenched corruption he is seeking to confront within the system.
The revelations add fresh turbulence to the sensitive proceedings involving Kabila, who remains an influential political figure.
Analysts say the minister’s bold stance could intensify scrutiny of both the case and the wider management of justice in the DRC.