DR Congo President Aide Says He Was Aware Of Misappropriation Of $50 Million

A high-profile politician in the Central African country of DR Congo who is facing charges of misappropriating the sum of $50 million allocated for social housing has said, in his defence, everything he did was with the knowledge of President Felix Tshisekedi.

This case, one which is seen as a rarity in the country, of high-profile politicians being charged to court, has garnered widespread attention.

Vital Kamerhe, Chief of Staff to Tshisekedi, who is also the defendant, said that he was not present when the deal at the was made in 2018.

Vital said that he “could not take responsibility without the knowledge of the president," during a broadcast of the proceedings that took place at the prison where he 's been detained.

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He said that Jammal Samih, a Lebanese businessman, was awarded a contract to build 1,500 new homes  “with the express instruction of the head of state."

Both parties have denied their involvement in any criminal activity.

The statement by Vital was labeled insulting by a government advisor.

Vital, who was a loyalist to the Joseph Kabila regime ran for office in 2018 but conceded to run on Tshisekedi's ticket.

Supporters of Vital say that the allegations brought against him is a political stratagem devised by opponents who do not want him to run for office in the next presidential elections.