Title: Biometric control of the public service in Bunia: agents denounce extortion
Introduction :
Biometric control of the civil service in Bunia, Ituri, is causing controversy. While state agents and civil servants go to the dedicated site for physical identification, some denounce cases of extortion. According to their testimonies, they would be forced to pay sums ranging from 10 to 50 US dollars to be registered on the payroll or to obtain the administrative documents necessary to regularize their situation. In this article, we will take a closer look at this situation and the clarifications provided by the relevant authorities.
Accusations of extortion during biometric control:
Since the start of biometric control, public administration agents and executives have gone to the designated site to make their physical identification. However, some of them claim to have been confronted with extortion practices. They say they had to pay sums ranging from 10 to 50 US dollars to regularize their situation. This situation raises questions about the integrity of the biometric screening process and highlights the concerns of public officials.
The authorities’ version:
In reaction to these accusations, the head of the provincial division of the civil service, Dieudonné Alizo, affirms that these are in reality voluntary contributions on the part of state agents and civil servants. According to him, these contributions are intended to support the costs linked to the biometric control operation. However, this explanation does not convince all officials who believe that these sums are demanded in a coercive manner and should not be considered voluntary contributions.
Implications for system integrity:
Accusations of extortion during civil service biometric screening raise concerns about the integrity of the process. If money is coercively demanded to obtain payroll registration or administrative documents, this calls into question the fairness and transparency of the system. It is essential that authorities take these allegations seriously and take steps to ensure fair and impartial biometric screening.
Conclusion :
The biometric control of the public service in Bunia faces accusations of extortion from state agents and civil servants. While some denounce the payment of sums of money to obtain their registration or the necessary administrative documents, the authorities maintain that these are voluntary contributions. This situation highlights concerns about the integrity of the biometric screening process and highlights the need for intervention to ensure a fair and transparent system. It is essential that authorities take steps to investigate these allegations and ensure that biometric screening is carried out in accordance with ethical and legal standards.