A pivotal moment for whistleblower protection in the DRC
“Whistleblowers expect to receive certain support. I encountered individuals who held vital information without being aware of the risks” – Jean-Claude Mputu, spokesperson for Congo Is Not For Sale (CNPAV)
Marking a major turning point for the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), on 7-8 November 2024, experts, civil society actors, and government representatives gathered in Kinshasa for the first International Conference on Whistleblower Protection organised by the Platform to Protect Whistleblowers in Africa (PPLAAF).. The conference not only raised awareness about the importance of whistleblowing but also paved the way for concrete reforms.
The conference was hosted in partnership with the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA), the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the Congo Is Not For Sale (CNPAV) collective, the Congolese research institute Ebuteli, the Embassies of Sweden and Belgium, as well as the agencies DANIDA and NORAD.
Legally, the absence of suitable laws remains a major obstacle to whistleblower protection in the DRC. Gabriel Bourdon-Fattal, PPLAAF’s Director of Programmes, emphasised: “The main obstacle to protecting whistleblowers from powerful networks is the lack of appropriate laws that meet local needs.”
Testimonies of courage
The conference also featured personal testimonies from whistleblowers, illustrating the challenges they face and their resilience in the face of adversity.
In 2016, Jean-Jacques Lumumba blew the whistle on the massive misappropriation of funds in the DRC’s banking sector under former President Joseph Kabila’s regime. He stated that “Blowing the whistle is a battle. It’s morally exhausting. But we do it for the common good. Today, I am happy to be here in the DRC after seven years of exile.”
Threatened with death and forced to flee his country, Lumumba now lives in exile in France. For the first time since his departure, he returned to the DRC to share his experience at the conference.
Claude Mianzuila, a former diamond evaluator, also shared his poignant testimony. After exposing illegal practices in the DRC’s diamond industry, he was imprisoned and faced extreme consequences for his revelations.
Gradi Koko and Navy Malela exposed serious money laundering practices involving Afriland First Bank CD and Israeli businessman Dan Gertler. Their revelations ultimately led to being sentenced to death in absentia.
Jimmy Kande, PPLAAF’s West and Francophone Africa Director, condemned the injustice faced by other Congolese whistleblowers, including Navy Malela and Gradi Koko: “These whistleblowers led to sanctions from US authorities due to their revelations. Yet, in the DRC, they have been sentenced to death. We are here to defend these worthy sons of Congo.”
While Koko and Malela still face persecution in their home countries, PPLAAF is actively fighting to have this unjust conviction overturned and used the conference to deliver this crucial message.
Regional exchanges with valuable insights
A key highlight of the conference was the intervention of representatives from other African countries. including Senegal, Madagascar, South Africa, Burkina Faso, and Zambia who shared best practices and lessons learned in whistleblower protection.
These exchanges allowed the DRC to draw inspiration from regional best practices, demonstrating the efficacy of developing legal frameworks adapted to local realities. They also highlighted the importance of pan-African cooperation to address whistleblower protection challenges and guide necessary reforms in the DRC.
Mobilising Congolese parliamentarians
Several Congolese parliamentarians also took part in the debates, expressing their interest in legislation protecting whistleblowers. A special session was dedicated to discussing the implications of the draft law currently in development in the DRC The discussions resulted in a realistic timeline for adopting advocacy strategies to mobilise support from key institutions and stakeholders.
Congolese Member of Parliament Eric Tshikuma expressed his commitment to bringing the bill to Parliament, while calling for broader support from institutions and stakeholders.
Representatives from Congolese investigative institutions, such as the National Financial Intelligence Unit (CENAREF), the Anti-Money Laundering Commission (COLUB), and the Anti-Corruption Prevention Agency (APLC), also emphasised the importance of whistleblowers in their missions.
A significant step forward
The conference concluded with a clear call for the urgent adoption of a specific law to ensure whistleblower security and enable them to act without fear of retaliation. Participants also called for the cancellation of the unjust convictions of Navy Malela and Gradi Koko, whose revelations had a significant impact but who continue to face persecution in their home country.
By strengthening collaborations between civil society, public institutions, and international partners, it is possible to create an environment that protects and values whistleblowers as sentinels of democracy and transparency.
For photos from the event, please visit:
PPLAAF is a non-governmental organisation established in 2017 to protect whistleblowers and advocate and engage in strategic litigation on their behalf when their revelations deal with the general interests of African citizens.
For more information about PPLAAF, please visit:
