Oversight of international NGOs in the DRC: a necessary measure to ensure compliance
The President of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Félix Tshisekedi, recently decided to tighten control over international non-governmental organizations (NGOs) operating on Congolese soil. This decision follows reports of a possible security drift by some NGOs, suspected of employing expatriate staff with a military or paramilitary background. The objective of this measure is to ensure that the activities of these organizations comply with the laws and regulations in force in the country.
Currently, the DRC has about a hundred international NGOs, most of them active in humanitarian fields, particularly in areas affected by armed conflict, such as the east of the country. Faced with this situation, the Congolese government considers it necessary to carry out an in-depth monitoring of the activities of these NGOs in order to assess their compliance.
The monitoring envisaged will be based on the analysis of the annual reports for the last five years of each NGO concerned, highlighting the development and performance of these organizations from one year to the next, as well as the precise location of their activities. It should be noted that the government did not name the NGOs targeted by this measure, which suggests that all international organizations operating in the DRC could potentially be subject to this control.
This decision to strengthen the control of international NGOs in the DRC provokes contrasting reactions. On the one hand, some welcome this initiative as a necessary measure to guarantee the transparency and integrity of NGO activities on Congolese territory. They stress the importance of ensuring that these organizations respect the laws of the country and effectively contribute to the development and well-being of the Congolese population.
On the other hand, some civil society actors fear that this measure could be used in a partisan manner or that it could restrict the freedom of action of NGOs and hamper their ability to provide effective assistance to populations in need. They insist that NGOs play a crucial role in humanitarian aid and development in the DRC and that it is essential to preserve their independence and neutrality.
It is therefore vital to find a balance between strengthening the control of international NGOs in the DRC and preserving the humanitarian space necessary for their action. It is important that this control is carried out in a transparent, impartial manner and respectful of the fundamental principles of human rights.. Civil society actors, international partners and NGOs themselves should also be involved in the process to ensure that the issues and concerns of all actors are taken into account.
In conclusion, the decision to strengthen the control of international NGOs in the DRC is a necessary measure to ensure the compliance of the activities of these organizations with the laws and regulations in force. However, it is essential to preserve the independence and neutrality of NGOs, while ensuring that this control is carried out in a fair and transparent manner. Respect for human rights principles and the participation of all the actors concerned will be key elements to guarantee the effectiveness and legitimacy of this approach