Dysfunctions in the management of state portfolio companies in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) recently caught the attention of President Félix Tshisekedi. In a statement at the meeting of the Council of Ministers, the Head of State pointed to the inaction of the auditors, responsible for the legal audit of the annual accounts of public companies.
According to government spokesman Patrick Muyaya, President Tshisekedi has stressed the importance of good governance in the management of state portfolio companies. He insisted on the need for public officials to adopt managerial behavior based on transparency and compliance with the governance standards in force. The Chairman notably mentioned the improvement of the quality of the services rendered, the respect of social obligations towards the workers and the profitability of the activities.
However, the President also deplored the fact that the auditors did not fulfill their audit mandate rigorously, allowing bad practices and management anomalies to persist. He reminded them that they have received a general interest mandate from the State and that it is their responsibility to verify the sincerity and compliance of companies’ financial data.
Faced with this situation, President Tshisekedi asked the Minister of Portfolio to supervise the auditors more closely and to quickly remedy these shortcomings. He also instructed the Minister of Finance to support the National Order of Chartered Accountants to improve the conditions of service of its members and strengthen their contribution to the promotion of good governance in the DRC.
This statement by President Tshisekedi highlights the importance of transparency and good governance in the management of public companies in the DRC. He recalls that auditors play a crucial role in controlling management and in preventing faulty practices. By emphasizing this subject, the President is sending a strong message in favor of the fight against corruption and in favor of efficient and responsible management of public resources.
It is now essential that the authorities take concrete measures to strengthen the effectiveness of auditors and to ensure transparent and accountable management of companies in the state portfolio. This will not only prevent fraudulent practices, but also promote the economic and social development of the country. The DRC has enormous potential, and it is imperative to put in place strong control mechanisms to maximize this advantage and ensure sustainable growth