The proliferation of government agencies and structures attached to the Presidency of the Republic in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) raises questions about their necessity and their impact on public finances. Since coming to power, President Félix Tshisekedi has created several agencies, such as the Agency for the Prevention and Fight against Corruption (APLC), the Presidential Council for Strategic Awareness (CPVS) and the Agency for Digital Development.
However, some experts question the usefulness and clarity of the mandates of these agencies. Jacques Mukena, researcher in governance, underlines that some of them overlap the attributions of already existing institutions, which creates a confusion of mandates. For example, the APLC encroaches on the powers of the General Inspectorate of Finance (IGF), while the Agency for the Improvement of the Business Climate seems to replace the National Agency for the Promotion of Investments (ANAPI).
This excessive concentration of power in the hands of the President also poses problems of transparency and oversight. Agencies directly attached to the Presidency escape the usual control mechanisms, such as parliamentary control, which can give the impression of a parallel and informal government. Faced with this, some citizens believe that existing institutions, such as the IGF, do a better job in the fight against corruption than the new agencies created.
In addition to these questions of mandate and control, a major concern is the financial cost of creating these agencies. In fact, their operation requires significant resources, particularly for hiring staff and operating costs. This accentuates the budgetary nature of the Congolese State, which is called upon to reduce its expenditure. While some agencies benefit from external funding, others require a considerable allocation of resources from the government.
Faced with these questions, it is necessary to assess the relevance and effectiveness of these government agencies and structures attached to the Presidency. It is essential to clarify their mandates, ensure their oversight and accountability, while seeking to optimize the use of state financial resources.
In conclusion, the proliferation of government agencies in the DRC raises legitimate questions about their necessity, their mandates and their financial impact. It is essential to guarantee the transparency, clarity of responsibilities and control of these agencies to ensure optimal management of public resources. The country’s development can only be achieved through effective and accountable institutions that work in the interest of the Congolese people