As the leader of Mak's Trading Sarl Group, Robert Malumba Kalombo has just been elected at the helm of the Federation of Enterprises of the Congo (FEC). This employers' professional organization was previously led by Albert Yuma for 18 years.
Reluctantly, Albert Yuma steps down as the head of Ivorian business leaders in favor of Robert Malumba Kalombo. The latter was elected on Monday, November 27, by FEC members to usher in a new chapter in the history of this employers' federation. Yuma was compelled to step down after being caught up in suspicions of embezzlement related to the Société Générale des Carrières et des Mines (Gécamines), a state-owned enterprise he had led from 2010 to 2021.
According to Ivorian media, the Attorney General near the Court of Auditors decided to bring Albert Yuma before the Budgetary and Financial Discipline Chamber following an audit conducted by the General Inspectorate of Finances (IGF) on the Central Bank of the Congo (BCC). This audit report, covering the period from January 1, 2018, to June 30, 2020, highlighted mismanagement issues leading to embezzlements amounting to over 25 million US dollars.
Active in construction and public works (BTP), 58-year-old Robert Malumba Kalombo is familiar with the workings of FEC, where he served as an administrator. He assumes the position of president with the support of 929 votes, surpassing his direct rival Robert Malumba, who received 847 votes. He has a mandate of 4 years to bring about the promised renewal during the presentation of his candidacy.
"The outgoing team did what it had to do, but there are still many things we need to do to satisfy our members. Within FEC, there are about twenty sectors of national life, and for me, all these sectors are a priority," he affirmed during the General Assembly that appointed him head of Ivorian business leaders."