Étienne Tshimanga Mutombo is set to return as Director General of the Office Congolais de Contrôle (OCC), the Democratic Republic of Congo’s state quality control agency, on May 28, 2026, after the lifting of a temporary suspension imposed on Feb. 16, Trade Minister Julien Paluku said.

In a statement published on May 25, Paluku said he had signed a ministerial order revoking the suspension, citing a provision in Congolese administrative law stating that a suspension cannot exceed three months unless a final conviction has been issued.

He added that Tshimanga’s return would take place under the supervision of the Secretary General for Foreign Trade.

However, the decision does not end the broader disciplinary proceedings. Paluku said the case file had been referred to the relevant authorities for further action, indicating that investigations launched against the OCC chief could continue despite his reinstatement.

Allegations of Mismanagement

Tshimanga was suspended as part of disciplinary proceedings over alleged serious management failures, insubordination and conduct considered harmful to the institution. The ministerial order issued in February referred to administrative and financial irregularities that may have resulted in losses of public revenue.

According to several local media outlets, including Radio Okapi, Tshimanga was also accused of setting up a parallel computer system to monitor imports, allegedly used to issue fraudulent verification certificates for import and export inspections. Authorities suspected the system contributed to significant financial losses for the agency in 2025.

The case also involved other disputed practices within the OCC. In August 2025, the Ministry of Foreign Trade formally requested explanations from OCC management over the continued charging of a $10-per-tonne levy on certain agricultural exports, including cocoa and coffee, despite the tax having been officially abolished in February 2024. Industry groups at the time denounced the charges as an illegal burden on exporters.

During Tshimanga’s suspension, Deputy Director General Christelle Muabilu served as acting head of the OCC.

Timothée Manoke