Title: Sonas insurance certificates replaced by payment tokens: A controversial practice in the DRC
Introduction :
For several weeks, a controversy has swelled in the Democratic Republic of Congo concerning the National Insurance Company (Sonas) in Kindu, capital of Maniema. Indeed, instead of issuing the insurance certificates required by law, Sonas has decided to distribute payment and withdrawal tokens to policyholders. This practice raises many questions about the legality and transparency of the management of the funds collected. In this article, we will examine this situation and the reactions to it in public opinion in more detail.
A temporary substitute:
According to a source close to the Sonas branch in Kindu, the distribution of payment tokens is a temporary measure pending the arrival of insurance certificates from Kinshasa. This decision was taken as part of a strategy to collect payments due to Sonas, in anticipation of a probable authorization of forced collection granted by the interim governor of the province. However, this explanation does not convince all observers, who see in this practice a hidden and possibly unconstitutional intention.
A growing controversy:
In the streets of Kindu, some motorcyclists denounce the fact that at each start of a forced recovery operation, Sonas is content to distribute payment tokens instead of issuing the compulsory insurance certificates. This practice, considered unconstitutional by some, consists of seizing or immobilizing any vehicle that does not have up-to-date insurance, despite the liberalization of the sector. Questions about the reliability of the management of funds collected by Sonas are multiplying, without clear answers from the company.
Questions about transparency and fund management:
If this practice of distributing payment tokens is done under the supervision of the General Inspectorate of Finance (IGF), the body responsible for ensuring the transparency of public funds? The question remains unresolved. Many observers stress the need to ensure that money collected from taxpayers, especially those who have taken out car insurance, is channeled correctly and used for its intended purpose. Confidence in the insurance system and in Sonas in particular is being put to the test, requiring clarifications and reassuring measures.
Conclusion :
The distribution of payment tokens to replace insurance certificates by Sonas in Kindu is causing great controversy in the DRC. While some view this practice as a temporary recovery strategy, others are concerned about the transparency and legality of this method.. It is essential that clear explanations and concrete measures are taken to restore the confidence of policyholders and guarantee transparent management of the funds collected