Title: Sonas payment and withdrawal tokens in Kindu: What impact on the reliability of insurance in the DRC?
Introduction :
For the past two weeks, the National Insurance Company (Sonas) in Kindu, capital of Maniema, has adopted a new practice which is causing controversy in Congolese public opinion. Instead of issuing insurance certificates, Sonas distributes payment and withdrawal tokens. This decision raises questions about its compliance with the legislation in force and raises fears of consequences on the reliability of insurance in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Tokens in exchange for insurance certificates:
According to testimonies collected from Kindu motorcyclists, this practice of handing over tokens instead of insurance certificates has become a habit during the forced collection operations carried out by Sonas. These operations consist of stopping vehicles that have not paid for their car insurance, despite the liberalization of the sector. The tokens are provided pending the arrival of insurance certificates from Kinshasa.
A controversial practice:
This new practice raises many questions about its legitimacy and its impact on the traceability of funds collected by Sonas. Observers wonder if the General Inspectorate of Finance (IGF) supervises this procedure and if the tokens are really a reliable guarantee for the insured.
A recovery strategy or a hidden intention?
A Sonas agent, who preferred to remain anonymous, denied any malicious intent behind the distribution of the tokens. According to him, this is a collection strategy put in place by the public company. However, several observers have doubts about the real motivations of this practice and wonder if it does not hide a hidden agenda.
Conclusion :
Sonas’ decision to replace insurance certificates with payment and withdrawal tokens raises concerns about the reliability of insurance in the Democratic Republic of Congo. This controversial practice raises questions about compliance with current legislation and calls for guarantees regarding the transparency and traceability of the funds collected. It is essential that the competent authorities examine this situation and take the necessary measures to ensure the confidence of policyholders and preserve the integrity of the insurance sector in the DRC