Lylie Happiness
Windhoek, 25 July. The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) of Namibia has exonerated Immanuel Mulunga, the suspended Managing Director of National Petroleum Corporation (Namcor), stating that there is no evidence to prove any criminal intention in his unauthorized transaction of N$100 million for oil blocks in Angola.
According to ACC Director Paulus Noa, Mulunga made the decision in the best interest of Namcor and the country when the Board deferred discussions and decisions on the matter. Despite lacking prior approval, he took action to safeguard the contract and prevent financial loss.
The ACC initiated a case in March 2023 following media reports alleging office abuse by Mulunga, who paid US$6.7 million to Sonangol, an Angolan oil company, without Board approval.
Jennifer Comalie, Chairperson of Namcor Board, deemed Mulunga’s action a breach of delegation of authority but without criminal or malicious intent. She confirmed that the total deposit was indeed paid to Sonangol, and the Oil Block deal was being overseen and communicated with the Angolan government by the Minister of Mines and Energy.
The Board delegated Mulunga as NAMCOR’s representative in the Sungara joint venture (JV) and authorized him to enter and execute the Sale and Purchase Agreement (SPA) subject to Board approval. However, due to the Board’s delays, Mulunga instructed payment to Sungara Energies Ltd while waiting for approval, leading to the ACC investigation.
The investigation revealed that Mulunga faced a tough situation when partners lacked sufficient funds for their equity contribution, risking default and potential contract termination. NAMCOR had already fulfilled its equity contribution. To safeguard the contract and avoid financial loss, Mulunga made a difficult decision, acting in the best interest of NAMCOR and the country.
The ACC concluded that there was no criminal intent in Mulunga’s actions. The exoneration clears him of any wrongdoing in the Angolan oil block transaction.- Namibia Daily News
