In a significant move against impunity and corruption, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) civil society welcomes the opening of an investigation against Nicolas Kazadi, the former Minister of Finance, current deputy, and close associate of President Félix Tshisekedi. The green light for the investigation was granted by the DRC’s parliament, allowing the Attorney General near the Court of Cassation to proceed.
The Attorney General’s request is substantiated by the “nature of the facts and the seriousness of the evidence.” Although Nicolas Kazadi retains his parliamentary immunity, this process will enable him to present his side of the story.
Kazadi is embroiled in a scandal involving overcharging. He is accused of ordering and facilitating the payment of a quarter of a contract with a consortium responsible for constructing water wells across 1,000 localities in the DRC. This contract, valued at nearly $300 million for over 1,300 stations, allegedly resulted in a financial loss estimated at $72 million, according to the Attorney General.
Sources close to Kazadi indicate that he has voluntarily responded to four invitations from the prosecutor and has already undergone confrontational sessions with the accusation. However, this information could not be independently confirmed with the prosecution.
Kazadi is expected to appear formally in the coming days. Should charges be brought against him, the assembly will be requested to lift his immunity. For the past two months, Kazadi, along with two former Ministers of Rural Development who are co-accused, has been prohibited from leaving the DRC.
The NGO Asadho has called on the prosecution to act “without leniency to set a new precedent for the sound management of public finances.”
This development signals a strong stance against corruption within the DRC, highlighting the importance of accountability and transparent governance in public office.