The challenges of accountability for the finance law for the 2022 financial year in the Democratic Republic of Congo
Accountability is an essential process in the financial governance of a country. In the Democratic Republic of Congo, national deputies will examine the bill providing accountability for the finance law for the 2022 financial year. This announcement was made by the rapporteur of the National Assembly, Joseph Lembi Libula, in a correspondence addressed to national elected officials.
This bill, adopted last June by the government during the meeting of the Council of Ministers, aims to report on the execution of the central power budget during the previous year. It highlights the different financial operations from the general treasury account, the cash books of the principal public accountants and customs collectors, as well as the financial statements of the annexed budgets and special accounts. It makes it possible to make a precise inventory of the financial situation of the country.
The budget for the 2022 financial year amounted to 22,253 billion Congolese francs (FC), balanced between revenue and expenditure. At the end of the year, revenues amounted to 26,160.70 billion FC, with an execution rate of 117%, and expenditure reached 28,641.15 billion FC, i.e. an execution rate of 128.71%. Compared to the previous year, revenues increased by 63.65% and expenses by 78.33%.
However, despite these encouraging figures, the general budget shows a deficit balance of 3,481.73 billion FC at the end of the year. On the other hand, the annexed budget and the special accounts each show a surplus balance of 9,034 billion FC and 991.94 billion FC respectively. In the end, the cumulative balance of the central government budget is in deficit of 2,480.45 billion FC.
The aim of accountability is to ensure transparency and responsibility in the use of public resources. It aims to inform citizens on the way in which public funds have been managed and to promote effective control of expenditure. It is therefore an important time to assess the country’s financial performance and take the necessary measures to improve budget management.
In conclusion, the examination of the bill reporting on the finance law for the 2022 financial year in the Democratic Republic of Congo constitutes a crucial step in the financial governance of the country. This is an opportunity to take stock of budget execution, identify possible irregularities and take the necessary measures to improve the management of public resources. Accountability is a key element of transparency and accountability in public financial management.