Constant Mutamba, the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s Minister of Justice, has been poisoned, according to a statement from the Ministry of State on Saturday.

The minister underwent medical tests that morning after scientific police suspected poison exposure in his office. During their investigation, the police discovered a white powder on office furniture and equipment, including tables, chairs, computers, ventilators and documents. They also discovered a strange liquid that had been poured into the refrigerator and a pungent-smelling gas emitted by a clear substance in the office washroom. Several other people who had been in the office tested positive for poisoning.

A statement from the minister’s office confirmed arrangements are being made for his medical treatment and recovery.

Jean-Claude Katende, president of the African Association for the Defense of Human Rights, condemned the assassination attempt, calling it an effort to obstruct the judicial reforms Mutamba has been working to implement. Katende urged the Congolese people to support these reforms, which aim to dismantle mafia networks that have influenced the country’s judicial, political and economic systems.

Mutamba was appointed Minister of Justice on May 29 alongside 53 other ministers, six months after President Tshisekedi’s inauguration. Despite losing in both the presidential race and the bid for a position in the national assembly as a member of the national bureau for the opposition, Mutamba sought to be part of the government. 

Since taking office, Mutamba has made significant modifications to the justice system of DRC. For instance, he released 527 prisoners from Makala central prison to alleviate overcrowding and provided mattresses in order to improve the prison conditions. He also plans to establish an independent prosecution office and an anti-corruption court to tackle embezzlement of public funds that DRC is grappling with, as well as with a prison for those convicted of economic crimes.