Title: The financial crisis hits the opening of the Ordinary Session in Kinshasa
Introduction :
In an official press release published this Friday, September 29, 2023, the president of the Provincial Assembly of Kinshasa, Godé Mpoy Kadima, announced that the solemn opening ceremony of the September Ordinary Session will not be able to take place in person due to a lack of financial means. This decision also aims to express solidarity with other Provincial Assemblies in the country which are facing delays in payment of emoluments and operating costs. In addition, the speaker of parliament informed his colleagues of his trip to Paris for medical reasons, thus kicking off the remote session.
A worrying financial context:
This situation reflects the financial crisis which is hitting provincial institutions hard in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Delays in payment of emoluments and operating costs, exceeding four months, have direct consequences on the functioning of the Provincial Assemblies. MPs and administrative employees find themselves in a precarious situation, which compromises their ability to carry out their parliamentary missions.
The gesture of solidarity towards the other Provincial Assemblies:
By taking the decision to postpone the opening of the Session in person, the President of the Provincial Assembly of Kinshasa expresses his solidarity with the other Provincial Assemblies facing the same financial difficulties. This approach aims to show unity and solidarity between the different provinces of the country in this period of crisis. However, it is essential that measures be taken quickly to resolve this worrying situation which affects the proper functioning of provincial institutions.
The departure of the president for medical reasons:
In his press release, the president of the Kinshasa parliament also informed his colleagues of his departure for Paris for medical reasons. This decision, taken after a ten-day wait, aims to respond to medical appointments planned for several months. He left his health report and appointment details with his Cabinet Secretary, in order to ensure business continuity during his absence.
Conclusion :
The financial crisis affecting provincial institutions in the Democratic Republic of Congo is worrying and compromises the proper functioning of the Provincial Assemblies. The solidarity expressed by the President of the Provincial Assembly of Kinshasa by postponing the opening of the Session in person and by supporting the other Provincial Assemblies is commendable. However, it is imperative that financial measures are taken quickly to remedy this difficult situation, in order to ensure the proper functioning of democratic institutions in the country.