Reconnecting with the destiny of greatness of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), this is the objective set by Augustin Matata Ponyo Mapon, former Prime Minister and declared candidate for the 2023 presidential election. In a presentation from the city from Kindu, in the east of the country, Matata Ponyo unveiled its ambitious social project which aims to reform and modernize the State to make it competitive and efficient.
The candidate’s first priority is to restore peace and security in the country. To do this, he proposes building an effective army and police, as well as formidable intelligence services. He also wishes to develop good neighborly relations with neighboring countries. To support these measures, Matata Ponyo plans to significantly increase the army’s budget, double funds for the social conditions of the military and improve career prospects for men in uniform.
The second part of his project concerns the industrial revival of the DRC. Matata Ponyo notes a decline in industrial development in the country and wishes to remedy this. It proposes concrete measures to promote industrialization and make the DRC an emerging economy.
The third axis of its social project is the implementation of an emergency plan for infrastructure. He wants to establish an efficient transport network to connect the East to the West and the North to the South of the country. These infrastructures are essential to promote economic development and improve the quality of life of citizens.
The Matata Ponyo project is estimated at 90 billion US dollars over a period of five years, with an annual budget of nearly 18 billion dollars. To finance this program, he intends to implement greater tax pressure, fight against corruption and reduce unnecessary government spending.
By presenting this ambitious project, Augustin Matata Ponyo Mapon displays his determination to contribute to the development and prosperity of the DRC. It remains to be seen whether voters will be convinced by his vision and support him for president in the 2023 elections.