The functioning of the Democratic Republic of Congo’s National Assembly is currently facing uncertainty and a standstill due to the adoption of new draft internal regulations. Despite the unanimous vote by national deputies for these crucial regulations to govern parliamentary activities from 2024 to 2029, there has been a two-week lethargy in progress. Led by Professor Jacques Djoli, a special commission presented its work report, which was approved by the National Assembly without any dissenting voices. However, the regulations are now pending validation by the Constitutional Court, creating a sense of uncertainty in ongoing parliamentary activities.
This impasse has halted planned plenaries, including the election and installation of final bureau members, as well as the publication of the timetable for subsequent processes. Financial concerns have also been raised by some deputies citing delays in the payment of their emoluments, adding a socio-economic dimension to the institutional blockage.
Discussions surrounding the financial impact on national MPs, potential boycott threats, and the delayed government investiture process highlight underlying tensions. These challenges, along with the absence of consultations initiated by the Prime Minister for the formation of her government, complicate the current situation further.
It is evident that the complex interplay of political, legal, and financial factors is at the core of the issues facing the National Assembly’s functioning and the establishment of key institutions in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The imperative to reconcile these aspects becomes crucial to ensure the stability and effectiveness of the democratic process in the country.
For more information on this topic, please visit the following relevant article links:
– Media Congo – A quand la reprise des plénières à l’Assemblée nationale ?