Tshopo Provincial Assembly Rejects Request to Lift President’s Immunity

Kisangani, Tshopo Province, DRC - Saturday, December 27, 2025

The Tshopo Provincial Assembly rejected the request to lift the immunity of its president, Mattheus Kanga. The request, submitted by the Attorney General to the Court of Cassation, sought authorization to investigate the case against him.

Two individuals had filed complaints, accusing the president of embezzling US$200 received from FRIVAO for the renovation or construction of the offices of the main provincial political institution.

The rejection followed a plenary session in which members voted on the conclusions of an ad hoc committee tasked with examining the Attorney General’s request. The Attorney General to the Court of Cassation was represented at the session by the Attorney General to the Kisangani Court of Appeal.

During the session, Albert Lussumbe explained the circumstances prompting the request, noting that the whistleblower alleged the funds were shared among members of parliament, which led to the Attorney General’s audit request.

In response, members of the commission and several members of parliament highlighted the lack of material evidence supporting the accusations against the President.

“Regarding the work we are doing here at the Provincial Assembly with FRIVAO funds, you are accusing us of embezzlement. That is false, completely false,” he insisted.