The arrival of Peter Kazadi, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior, Security, Decentralization and Customary Affairs, in Isiro on Monday July 31 caused keen interest in the Haut-Uélé province. Indeed, Governor Christophe Baseane Nan finds himself contested and disowned by a large part of the population following allegations of embezzlement which were revealed by the General Inspectorate of Finance (IGF) during a mission to the province.
The presumptions of misappropriation of public funds weigh heavily on the governor of Haut-Uélé, Christophe Baseane Nangaa. Following the publication of the conclusions of the IGF report last April, the population took a stand by demanding the departure of the governor for his criticized management of the province. The banners displayed during the arrival of the Deputy Prime Minister in Isiro carried clear messages, demanding that the governor justify the $61 million not traced by the IGF. These messages condemn acts of misappropriation of public funds and express support for the fight against corruption initiated by the Head of State.
The accusations against Christophe Baseane Nan are serious and numerous. The IGF report mentions in particular the pre-allocation and misappropriation of toll revenues, the early withdrawal of tax revenues, the use of bank loans not traced in the provincial accounts, the misappropriation of retrocession funds from the central power , the misappropriation of toll revenues at various checkpoints, as well as irregularities in public procurement. These accusations cast doubt on the financial management of the province and call into question the integrity of the governor.
In addition, the infrastructure deficit in the Haut-Uélé province is also singled out. André Lite Asebea, former Minister of Human Rights and elected representative of the province, denounces the lack of asphalt roads in the region since the arrival of Christophe Baseane Nan at the head of the province. He claims that the road linking Isiro to Kisangani, which has existed since colonial times, is no longer passable due to the governor’s refusal to rehabilitate it. According to this former minister, the governor would be more concerned with his personal affairs than with the development of the province.
Faced with this situation, the population of Haut-Uélé expresses its dissatisfaction and demands accountability from the governor. The arrival of Peter Kazadi, accompanied by many residents of the province, underlines their support for the fight against corruption and their demand for transparency in the management of public funds.
It remains to be seen what concrete actions will be taken by the authorities to shed light on the allegations of misappropriation and to ensure real development in the province of Haut-Uélé.. The population expects strong responses and measures to restore confidence and guarantee transparent and responsible governance.