Prosecuted for corruption, influence peddling and offenses against the head of state, Vidiye Tshimanga, former strategic adviser to President Félix Tshisekedi, was acquitted by the Kinshasa-Gombe peace court on Friday, December 23. A judgment that makes the ranks of civil society cringe. This affair broke last September when a hidden camera recording showing conversations between Mr. Tshimanga and two mysterious investors in the mining sector was broadcast.
With our correspondent in Kinshasa, Pascal Mulegwa
The judgment came out beyond the ten regulatory days. There was no hearing for the delivery of the deliberations at the Kinshasa-Gombe peace court.
For Ernest Mpararo of the Congolese Anti-Corruption League (Licoco), the matter was taken lightly: ” The judges took the case lightly or came under political pressure as evidence of influence peddling and passive bribery was established. It’s a shame for our justice, that’s why we, Licoco, we ask that the prosecutor can appeal so that Vidiye Tshimanga is punished in accordance with the law. This gives a bad image to the partners given that the President of the Republic is struggling to fight against corruption, but at the level of justice, there are still people who work not to promote good governance and accountability in the country »
The prosecutor had requested 3 years in prison. Since the opening of the trial on November 14, Vidiye Tshimanga has constantly denounced relentlessness.
The motivations of the judges to acquit him have not yet been revealed by the defense lawyers. Friday evening, the latter celebrated a victory and said they were waiting to be served by the court registry.
► Read also DRC: three years in prison required against a former adviser to President Tshisekedi