In a context where obtaining Congolese passports is marked by numerous delays and variable prices, MP Josué Mufula expresses his deep dissatisfaction with the responses provided by Christophe Lutundula, the Deputy Prime Minister in charge of Foreign Affairs.
According to Josué Mufula, it is unacceptable that Mr. Lutundula is content with justifications and observations rather than actively seeking solutions to allow the Congolese to quickly obtain their passports. He also deplores that the legislature is coming to an end, because he would have liked to transform his parliamentary information initiative into a much more rigorous control action.
Indeed, on August 13, 2023, the MP sent a written question to Christophe Lutundula concerning the delay in the issuance of passports and the variation in prices. The latter’s responses, sent on November 3, 2023, highlight the obsolescence and obsolescence of the printing equipment used by the operator LOCOSEM, whose contract did not provide for their renewal. Efforts to demand the installation of new machines were unsuccessful, and this led to the launch of a call for tenders to appoint a new passport producer whose services will begin by the end of the year.
Regarding the price of the passport, Christophe Lutundula assures that it has been set at $99 since the resumption of production in October 2020, compared to $185 from 2016 to the end of 2020. However, he emphasizes that the impatience of certain applicants and corrupt practices sometimes increase the total cost of acquiring a passport. He therefore calls for responsibility and the rejection of these degrading practices, while ensuring that sanction measures will be taken against state agents guilty of racketeering.
This response from Christophe Lutundula hardly satisfies MP Josué Mufula, who believes that it is time to find concrete solutions to remedy these recurring problems. He also calls on compatriots to respect the deadlines for collecting passports and to denounce all forms of corruption.
It is obvious that the question of granting passports in the Democratic Republic of Congo is a sensitive subject which requires particular attention. Delays and price variations constitute obstacles for many Congolese who need this document to travel or carry out administrative procedures.
It is therefore imperative that the authorities truly commit to solving these problems by investing in modern equipment, strengthening control mechanisms and fighting corruption. Congolese must be able to benefit from an efficient, transparent and affordable process for obtaining passports.
It is time to put words into action and ensure that Congolese citizens can obtain their passports quickly, on time and without suffering corrupt practices. This will help facilitate their mobility and strengthen trust in institutions. MP Josué Mufula, as well as other committed actors, will continue to ensure that this issue is not relegated to oblivion and that concrete actions are taken to resolve this crucial issue.