Democratic Republic of Congo, 11 November 2024 – Weak governance, the presence of armed groups and corruption exacerbate the already challenging circumstances the people of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) face as pervasive corruption fuels criminal networks and hampers efforts towards peace.
In states like the DRC, whistle-blowers can play a crucial role in revealing corruption and criminal activities. Protecting these individuals is thus critical to help expose such wrongdoing. By ensuring safe and confidential channels for reporting corruption, whistle-blower protection is a cornerstone in building accountability and transparency.
Jean Jacques Lumumba is a world-famous whistle-blower from the DRC, who spent many years in exile after uncovering sophisticated corruption schemes of a bank where he worked. It was his refusal to remain silent on the misuse of public funds that forced him to uproot his life and leave DRC, fearing retaliation.
“Blowing the whistle is the beginning of a battle. It is morally very exhausting. But we do it for the public interest, and we are not alone. And today I am happy to be in front of you, in the DRC, after 7 years of exile", said Mr. Lumumba.
“Whistle-blowers are waiting for support. I have encountered individuals who were in possession of critical information without being aware of the risks,” echoed Jean Claude Mputu, Deputy Director of Resource Matters and Spokesperson for the Congo Is Not for Sale (Le Congo n'est pas à vendre - CNPAV) coalition.
In November 2024, United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the Platform to Protect Whistleblowers in Africa (PPLAAF) organized an international conference in Kinshasa bringing together international, regional and national experts to raise awareness and spark discussions on the value of enshrining in law the duty to protect whistle-blowers.
A dedicated whistle-blower protection law in the DRC would be transformative. It would shield individuals from retaliation, thereby encouraging more people to report corruption while ensuring anonymity and safety. This legal safeguard would strengthen investigations, boost public trust and underscore the government’s commitment to fight corruption at all levels.
Civil society organizations (CSOs) are vital in advocating for the rights of whistle-blowers and making demands for government accountability. In many countries, including in the DRC, public trust in institutions is limited leaving CSOs to be a critical voice in the national anti-corruption discourse, by ensuring that citizens’ concerns are heard. At times, CSOs also play the role of shielding whistle-blowers by offering legal assistance as well as physical protection and psychological support.
Facilitating CSO and government counterparts to join forces when developing a whistle-blower protection law can contribute to the legal framework’s inclusiveness and cater to the needs of those most affected—particularly grassroots activists and marginalized communities. In the context of the DRC, a comprehensive whistle-blower protection law, supported by UNODC and PPLAAF, could empower individuals to speak out against corruption, criminal activities and other wrongdoing, reinforcing a culture of accountability across society.
