DRC First Lady Contests Belgian Searches of Family Properties, Pledges Cooperation
BRUSSELS / KINSHASA — In a statement issued through her lawyers on October 15, 2026, Democratic Republic of Congo First Lady Denise Nyakeru Nkana expressed surprise at the search of the family’s home in Belgium and strongly rejected the accusations brought against her and other relatives.
Belgian police had carried out coordinated searches the previous day at several properties linked to members of President Félix Tshisekedi’s family and associates in Brussels and municipalities in Flemish Brabant and Walloon Brabant. The operations form part of a money-laundering investigation opened after complaints filed in July 2025 by Congolese non-governmental organizations and former executives of the state mining company Gécamines. The complaints allege involvement in the diversion of mineral resources and related financial offenses in the southern provinces of Lualaba and Haut-Katanga.
Nyakeru Nkana firmly contested the claims leveled against her and several other family members, describing them as unfounded. At the same time, she affirmed that she would give full cooperation to Belgian judicial authorities.
The Congolese presidency declined to comment on the matter. Lawyers representing the complainants have voiced confidence in the work of Belgian investigators and the examining magistrate handling the case.
No arrests have been publicly reported, and Belgian authorities have not disclosed whether any documents, assets, or other items were seized. Prosecutors have emphasized the secrecy of the investigation and the presumption of innocence, providing no further details about the identities of those whose properties were searched.
The searches mark an early stage in the probe rather than any finding of guilt. The case comes as President Tshisekedi’s administration faces multiple domestic pressures, including security challenges in the east of the country and other internal political and public-health issues. The investigation continues.
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