Title: Congo Airways: a call for help to preserve air transport in the DRC
Introduction: Since September 11, 2023, the airspace of the Democratic Republic of Congo has been facing a major crisis, with the cessation of activities of Congo Airways. The national airline is demanding $32 million for maintenance work on its planes, leaving the country without air transport. This situation has disastrous consequences for the Congolese population, who find themselves deprived of an essential means of connecting large cities. Faced with this crisis, Jules Alingete, Inspector General and head of department of the General Inspectorate of Finance (IGF), is sounding the alarm and calling on the Congolese government to act quickly to save this company which is the pride of the country.
Development: Jules Alingete, during an exchange with journalists, expressed his indignation at this situation which does not do honor to the country. According to him, the Congolese population finds itself forced to cross borders to move from one province to another, which is a real national shame. He therefore calls on the Congolese government to provide the necessary funds, which could go up to $100 million, to allow the resumption of Congo Airways’ activities.
This crisis which led to the cessation of activities of the national aviation company raises many concerns. Jules Alingete believes that Congo Airways was destroyed from its creation by individuals driven by a destructive spirit. He underlines the importance of this company for the country, both economically and in terms of national pride.
Faced with this critical situation, the Congolese Prime Minister, Jean-Michel Sama Lukonde, has committed to doing everything possible to allow Congo Airways to resume its activities. He says he is aware of the urgency of a solution, especially as the general elections approach in December 2023. The Congolese government must quickly find a way to finance maintenance work and relaunch the airline, in order to restore essential air links for the population and for the development of the country.
Conclusion: The current Congo Airways crisis highlights the critical importance of air transport for the Democratic Republic of Congo. Without this national aviation company, travel possibilities between the country’s major cities are greatly reduced, which has a negative impact on the Congolese population and the country’s image internationally. It is therefore imperative that the Congolese government act quickly to find the necessary funds and allow the resumption of Congo Airways’ activities, in order to preserve air transport in the DRC and meet the needs of the population.