Court of Cassation Seeks Authorization to Prosecute Tshopo Governor

Kisangani, January 5, 2026 - The Court of Cassation has formally requested authorization from the Tshopo Provincial Assembly to initiate legal proceedings against Governor Paulin Lendongolia, who faces allegations of embezzlement of public funds.

The request, submitted to the Assembly’s bureau, seeks permission to bring the governor to trial. The bureau committed to examining the petition in accordance with its internal regulations, a decision adopted during a meeting held on Saturday, January 3, 2026.

During the same meeting, the bureau also discussed the unjustified absence of several provincial deputies from plenary sessions in September 2025, as well as the governor’s recent reinstatement following a ruling by the Constitutional Court.

Speaking after the meeting, Paul Lokesa, rapporteur of the Provincial Assembly, expressed regret over the handling of the case. He noted that, unlike the opposing party, which appeared to have been properly informed, the Assembly was only officially notified of the case’s inclusion on the court docket after the governor’s reinstatement.

An examination of the Attorney General’s indictment revealed a procedural irregularity during the vote to remove the governor: 10 deputies voted in favor of impeachment instead of the required 18. However, according to the bureau, this flaw does not affect the substance of the allegations against Paulin Lendongolia.

“This error does not alter the facts of the case,” Paul Lokesa said. “In accordance with the internal regulations, the bureau will hear from the Attorney General or his representative, as well as from Paulin Lendongolia himself, in order to assess the merits of the allegations and decide whether or not to authorize a judicial investigation.”

Governor Reinstated

Governor Paulin Lendongolia returned to Kisangani on Sunday, January 4, after nearly two months in Kinshasa, and officially resumed his duties following the Constitutional Court’s ruling of November 26. He had been removed from office on October 27 through a vote of no confidence linked to allegations of misappropriation of public funds.

Upon his arrival at Bangoka International Airport, the governor called on all political actors to work together for the development of Tshopo province, amid a political climate still marked by legal and institutional tensions.