DRC Launches Economic and Financial Criminal Court to Fight Corruption

Kinshasa March 15, 2026 - The President of the Republic has officially established the Economic and Financial Criminal Court, a specialized judicial body tasked with tackling serious economic and financial crimes. The decree-law creating the court was promulgated on March 14, marking a significant step in the Democratic Republic of Congo’s ongoing efforts to combat corruption, embezzlement, and other financial offenses. Based in Kinshasa, the new court will include both a trial chamber and an appeals chamber, holding exclusive jurisdiction over cases involving public officials and serious financial misconduct. Its mandate covers corruption, bribery, embezzlement of public funds, counterfeiting, and forgery. Officials note that the creation of this specialized court is the culmination of reforms initiated under former Justice Minister Constant Mutamba. The initiative aims to improve the speed, clarity, and efficiency of judicial proceedings while reinforcing public and international confidence in the rule of law. The establishment of the Economic and Financial Criminal Court is seen as a critical step toward strengthening accountability in the DRC’s public sector and deterring economic crimes that have long hindered development.