The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) finds itself at the centre of an escalating legal and political storm as Communications Minister Patrick Muyaya faces renewed allegations in the case of businesswoman Gisèle Busima.
The controversy intensified after Busima’s father and brother were summoned by the Gombe prosecutor’s office, sparking claims of judicial intimidation.
Nearly a year after Busima accused Muyaya of holding her captive for 45 days, the latest summons—issued on July 23—orders her family members to appear before authorities “to be questioned,” though the official document did not specify the alleged facts.
Upon presenting himself, Martin Busima was informed that Muyaya had filed a defamation complaint against him and their father.
René St-Fort, Busima’s lawyer, called the summons “a clear intimidation tactic, aimed at forcing her to withdraw her complaints,” while Busima herself stated, “It was he who had me kidnapped, held captive, delayed and threatened.”
She accuses Muyaya, along with General Christian Ndaywel and Colonel Ralph Muzimba, of orchestrating her detention at the Castello Hotel in September 2024, describing it as “45 days without contact with the outside world, without the right to a lawyer, without any hearing, and without appearing before a judge.”
Busima, a former banker and American citizen, had previously maintained a personal and professional relationship with Muyaya, including financial support for his 2018 legislative campaign.
She claims that their relationship soured over time, leading to her exclusion from projects and targeted surveillance.
According to her statements, invasive spyware was used to monitor her activities, allegedly orchestrated by teams recruited in Nigeria and Kenya.
International attention has grown around the case. Busima has filed complaints in Brussels and is considering a UN appeal, while Amnesty International and the Clinton Foundation have expressed support.
Her lawyer added that “the US State Department is also reportedly following the case,” framing it as a broader concern for human rights and rule of law in the DRC.
The minister’s recent reappointment by President Félix Tshisekedi has drawn criticism from Busima’s supporters, who see it as a signal that political considerations may override impartial judicial proceedings.
Local NGOs warn that the case could set a dangerous precedent, deterring victims from filing complaints against high-ranking officials.
Busima remains defiant. “They can summon my whole family, I will not give in. This fight goes beyond me,” she said, as her legal team called on the government to intervene and halt what they describe as a campaign of intimidation.
About The Author
