The fight against corruption in the Democratic Republic of Congo is a long-standing issue. Recent events, such as the acquittal of the former Minister of Health, Eteni Longondo, in a case of embezzlement of funds allocated to the response to the coronavirus, have provoked many reactions.
Jules Alingete Key, head of the General Inspectorate of Finance (IGF), an anti-corruption agency attached to the Presidency of the Republic, said on Twitter that the IGF would continue to play its role in the fight against anti-values . He also stressed that ex ante control was a solution to protect public funds.
In August 2020, the IGF accused Eteni Longondo of having embezzled more than 7 million dollars intended for the fight against the pandemic. The former Minister of Health has always denied these accusations, saying that the supporting documents for his expenses were in the process of being checked by his services during the check.
Despite this acquittal, the fight against corruption is not weakening in the DRC. The authorities seem determined to deal with this scourge which is plaguing the country’s economy. Initiatives such as the creation of a commission of inquiry to fight against military exactions in conflict zones or the establishment of national identity cards after more than thirty years of waiting bear witness to this desire for change.
In addition, civil society also plays an important role in this fight against corruption. Support marches for the exemption of legal fees for victims of sexual violence or alerts on unpaid bills and the salary situation of agents and civil servants are a reminder of the importance of continuing efforts for a fairer and more transparent DRC.
In short, corruption remains a major issue in the DRC, but the authorities and civil society are engaged in a relentless fight to put an end to it.