Control of international humanitarian organizations in the DRC: a controversial measure
The Congolese government has recently expressed its intention to tighten control over international humanitarian organizations operating in the country. This decision was motivated by concerns about potential security abuses and suspicions of questionable funding.
Although no international organization was named by name, President Felix Tshisekedi said he had received several reports of anomalies in the functioning of certain NGOs. He deemed these situations “unacceptable” and expressed concerns about the possibility that some NGOs could be involved in subversive actions under the guise of humanitarian activities.
The announced control aims to verify the conformity of the activities of NGOs with Congolese laws. Humanitarian organizations will have to provide detailed reports on their last five years of activity, with an analysis of their evolution and the precise locations of their interventions.
It should be noted that this decision comes following the suspension of new visas for foreigners traveling to certain provinces of the DRC, in particular Ituri, Tanganyika, North and South Kivu. This measure has been criticized by the German embassy, which considers that it excessively restricts the room for maneuver of humanitarian organisations.
As the government attempts to tighten control over NGOs, it is important to ensure respect for humanitarian principles and preserve people’s access to essential services and international aid. Such a measure, while aimed at ensuring transparency and security, must also avoid harming humanitarian operations and limiting the effectiveness of organizations on the ground.
A balance therefore needs to be found between strengthening the control of NGOs and recognizing the crucial role they play in providing life-saving humanitarian assistance to communities affected by conflict and crisis in the DRC. Close and constructive collaboration between the Congolese government and humanitarian organizations can help ensure transparency and respect for international standards in the context of humanitarian operations in the DRC.
The situation remains to be closely monitored, as it may have a significant impact on the way humanitarian organizations operate in the DRC and on the ability of the population to access the assistance they need in humanitarian emergencies