The news article we will be looking at today concerns the controversies surrounding the implementing agencies of the 145 Territories Development Project in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). More specifically, the Central Coordination Office (BCECO) is singled out for its maneuvers and its refusal to submit to the control of the General Inspectorate of Finance (IGF).
In a statement published recently, the Public Expenditure Observatory (ODEP) denounces the practices of the BCECO and questions its transparency in the use of public funds. The ODEP notably underlines the refusal of the executing agency to receive a control mission initiated by the IGF, arguing that a mission is already underway by the Court of Auditors. However, this justification is swept aside by the 1st President of the Court of Auditors himself, who claims not to have signed a mission order for a control of the awarding of contracts by the BCECO.
These revelations echo a previous report by ODEP, which highlighted the out-of-system contract execution practices of the BCECO, hampering the proper functioning of the Public Procurement Authority in the DRC. The ODEP then recommended the abolition of the BCECO and the prohibition of parallel structures and procedures, in accordance with the law on public procurement.
Suspicions of corruption therefore hang over the BCECO, suggesting that the agency’s leaders and their protectors are trying to hide something. These revelations also raise questions about the possibility of effective citizen control and call into question the responsibility of the IGF, an institution under the supervision of the President of the Republic, which seems to be hampered in its control work.
It is important that measures are taken to guarantee transparency and the proper use of public funds within the framework of the Development Project of 145 territories in the DRC. The fight against corruption and off-system execution practices must be a priority in order to guarantee the improvement of the living conditions of the Congolese populations and to promote the real development of grassroots communities.
In conclusion, there is a need for thorough investigation and concrete action to address the concerns raised by ODEP regarding BCECO’s maneuvers. Transparency and accountability are essential elements to ensure the success of the 145 territories development project in the DRC and to allow the population to really benefit from the infrastructure and expected improvements