Kwango Health Minister Removed After Letter Alleging Graft and Dysfunction

Kenge, Kwango, August 8, 2026 - The Governor of Kwango Province has dismissed Health Minister Apollinaire Yumba Tiabakwau following the release of a letter in which Tiabakwau alleged significant irregularities in the provincial health administration. The letter, which surfaced earlier today, accused the provincial government of mismanaging a 1 million CDF fund allocated in October 2024, claiming that decisions were being made without the involvement of sector ministers. Tiabakwau also raised concerns about the misuse of the provincial health promotion fund, irregularities in salary payments, and the diversion of essential medical supplies, including transfusion kits intended for Tembo Hospital and educational kits for Kenge STEP centres.

In his dismissal, the governor cited Tiabakwau's failure to respect institutional protocols and a lack of courtesy in addressing these serious allegations. The swift action taken by the governor underscores the ongoing tensions within the provincial government and highlights the challenges facing the health sector in Kwango. The governor's decision reflects a broader commitment to maintaining institutional integrity and accountability in the face of corruption allegations.

The fallout from this incident may have significant implications for the governance of health services in Kwango, as the province grapples with ongoing challenges related to resource allocation and management. The situation has drawn attention to the need for greater oversight and transparency in provincial health administration, particularly in light of the critical role that health services play in the region's development.