Grace Bilolo, Governor of Kongo Central, Released After First Hearing Over Alleged

Kinshasa, February 10, 2026 - Grace Kuanga Bilolo, Governor of Kongo Central, appeared before the prosecutor’s office near the Court of Cassation in Kinshasa on Tuesday following allegations of financial misconduct and embezzlement of public funds. He was released after the first hearing.

The hearing focused on a report by the General Inspectorate of Finance (IGF), which audited Bilolo's administration in 2025. According to his defense lawyers, Bilolo presented his arguments and stated that no alarming irregularities had been found relative to prior media reports.

Espoir Siasi, legal advisor to the governor, said: “We remain at the disposal of the justice system, but everything has been done. The governor was released and has returned home. Any further charges will be communicated by the prosecutor if necessary.”

The IGF report revealed multiple alleged irregularities, including:

Non-payment of provincial tax and duty revenues amounting to 24,928,597 Congolese francs.

Misappropriation of USD 137,417.04 transferred improperly to the Provincial Assembly.

USD 440,889 used for vehicle acquisition for provincial deputies.

USD 35,183 not allocated to public works.

USD 423,720 owed to Decentralized Territorial Entities (ETD) of Muanda, which remained unpaid.

The Attorney General, Firmin Mvonde, classified these acts as embezzlement of public funds, punishable under Article 145 of the Penal Code (Book II). The governor was invited to present his version regarding the seriousness of these allegations.