Recent events in the province of Haut-Uélé have been marked by the arrival of the Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of the Interior, Security, Decentralization and Customary Affairs, Peter Kazadi, on Monday 31 July. This visit reignited the controversy around Governor Christophe Baseane Nan, who is accused of embezzlement following a report by the General Inspectorate of Finance (IGF) published last April.
The population of Haut-Uélé expresses its dissatisfaction with the alleged embezzlement of public funds attributed to Governor Nangaa. During the reception of Peter Kazadi, banners demanding justifications for the 61 million dollars not traced by the IGF were visible, thus condemning the acts of predation of public funds in the province. The population supports the fight against corruption initiated by the Head of State.
The IGF report reveals several alleged financial offences, such as the use of toll revenues for private purposes, the advance collection of tax revenues without supporting documents, embezzlement of central government retrocession funds and irregularities in the handover public procurement, among others. These accusations weigh heavily on the governor of Haut-Uélé.
In addition to problems related to financial management, the population also deplores the lack of infrastructure in the province. The former minister of human rights and elected in the province, André Lite Asebea, affirms that no road was built under the mandate of governor Nangaa, which makes certain areas difficult to access.
The situation in Haut-Uélé clearly shows the will of the population not to tolerate impunity in terms of embezzlement of public funds and to hold their leaders to account. The demonstrations and protests against Governor Nangaa are a clear sign of people’s expectations for transparency and good governance.
The government and politicians must take these concerns seriously and act to meet the demands of the people. The fight against corruption and the guarantee of the responsibility of the leaders are essential elements to ensure the development and the well-being of the population in the province of Haut-Uélé.
It is time for concrete measures to be taken to end the culture of impunity and to ensure transparent and accountable management of public resources