The recent arrival of Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of the Interior, Security, Decentralization and Customary Affairs, Peter Kazadi, in Isiro, has sparked unprecedented agitation in the Haut-Uélé province in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Indeed, Governor Christophe Baseane Nan finds himself under fire from criticism and accusations of embezzlement following a report from the General Inspectorate of Finance (IGF) published last April.
Residents of the province express their dissatisfaction with the governor, demanding accountability for untraceable funds, amounting to $61 million, highlighted by the IGF. Banners and hostile chants were displayed during the welcome of Peter Kazadi, expressing the refusal of impunity and support for the rule of law.
The IGF report reveals numerous irregularities in the management of the Haut-Uélé province by Governor Baseane Nangaa. It mentions in particular the pre-allocation and misappropriation of toll revenue, the anticipated withdrawal of tax revenue without supporting documents, the use of unjustified bank loans, the presumption of misappropriation of retrocession funds, the misappropriation of toll revenue, unjustified outflows of funds from the bank and irregularities in the award of public contracts. These accusations fuel the population’s demands and reinforce calls for the governor’s dismissal.
In addition to accusations of embezzlement, residents denounce the governor’s inaction in the development of the province. They highlight the absence of road works and the deterioration of infrastructure, particularly the road linking Isiro to Kisangani. According to some, this road, which has existed since colonial times, has become impassable since the arrival of Baseane Nangaa to power. Criticisms are also made regarding the governor’s residence, presented as a means of hiding his management inadequacies.
In this context, the arrival of Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of the Interior, Peter Kazadi, gives new impetus to demands for the governor’s dismissal and reaffirms the desire to combat embezzlement of public funds in the province.
In conclusion, the situation in the Haut-Uélé province in the Democratic Republic of Congo reflects the frustrations of the population in the face of alleged embezzlement and inaction by the governor. Popular demands and actions taken by the central government to fight impunity show the importance of transparency and accountability in the management of public resources.