Constitutional Court confirms Papy Mantezolo as Kongo-Central Assembly head

The Constitutional Court has definitively confirmed Papy Mantezolo Diantezua as the president of the Kongo-Central Provincial Assembly, rejecting an appeal filed by Victor Nsuami Mpaka. The court's decision on Friday, July 17, upholds a previous ruling from May 7 that reinstated Mantezolo.

Nsuami had challenged the May ruling, which annulled the acts related to Mantezolo's ouster. At the time, the court found that Mantezolo's defense rights were not respected during the procedure that led to his removal. The Constitutional Court's latest verdict closes the judicial dispute and solidifies Mantezolo's position.

The May ruling occurred amid significant tensions within the provincial institution, with some deputies accusing Mantezolo of mismanagement. These accusations resulted in his dismissal and triggered an institutional crisis. The Constitutional Court, upon review, declared itself incompetent to examine Nsuami's request, thereby maintaining its prior decision and definitively rehabilitating Mantezolo.

This judicial resolution is anticipated to end months of uncertainty and potentially restore stability to the Provincial Assembly, which has been marked by political and institutional rivalries.