DRC: President’s Chief of Staff arrested on graft charges

Vital Kamerhe, the chief of staff to the president of the Democratic Republic of Congo, has been arrested and questioned by police in the capital, Kinshasa, over allegations of corruption.

Kamerhe was questioned about the alleged misappropriation of infrastructure investment funds during the first 100 days of President Felix Tshisekedi’s term in office last year.

After he was questioned, he was taken to Makala Prison, the main jail in the city, where he spent the night.

Police have yet to make it clear whether Kamerhe will face charges at this time.

A spokesperson for the president told AFP, a news agency, that “the president does not comment on the decisions of the justice system”.

Supporters of the chief of staff protested in his hometown of Bukavu, in the east of the country, blocking the road outside his party headquarters.

Kamerhe has been a long-time ally and close supporter of President Tshisekedi, whose political party, Union for the Congolese Nation, backed his successful presidential bid last year.

Photo: Getty Images