The meeting between President Félix Tshisekedi and the Congolese community in France sparked strong reactions and opened a passionate debate around the “GO-PASS” controversy. This tax, introduced for the development of airport infrastructure in the Democratic Republic of Congo, is at the center of the concerns of Congolese living abroad. President Tshisekedi responded firmly to the participants’ demands, while emphasizing the importance of transparency in the use of revenues from “GO-PASS”.
The origin of this tax dates back to the period of 2008-2009, marked by a series of air tragedies in the DRC. Faced with this critical situation, the government of the time decided to create the “GO-PASS” to finance the modernization of airport infrastructure and improve safety standards. However, questions remain about the management of the funds collected and their real impact on the aviation sector in the DRC.
President Tshisekedi’s remarks suggest a desire to review the airport taxation system to guarantee efficient use of funds generated by the “GO-PASS”. He warns against the risk of including this tax in the price of tickets, which would make its amount less visible to travelers. This approach aims to ensure better traceability of revenues and to avoid any financial abuse likely to harm the public interest.
Transparency and accountability in the management of public finances are major challenges for the sustainable development of the DRC. The Congolese, both at home and abroad, are awaiting concrete measures to guarantee judicious use of funds collected through the “GO-PASS”. This affair reveals the importance of accountability and citizen participation in the economic governance of the country.
In conclusion, the debate on “GO-PASS” highlights the need to rethink the financing mechanisms for airport infrastructure in the DRC. Transparency and efficiency in the use of revenue are essential aspects to ensure sustainable and equitable development of the aviation sector. The expectations of the Congolese are legitimate, and it is up to the authorities to respond adequately to these concerns to establish exemplary financial governance in the service of the general interest.