Fatshimetry
In the political tumult of the Democratic Republic of Congo, a corruption affair shakes public opinion and provokes indignant reactions. At the heart of the controversy is the controversial distribution of jeeps to provincial deputies in Kinshasa, a gesture seen as a disguised attempt at corruption.
The UDPS, a historic party founded by political icon Étienne Tshisekedi, is at the center of the turmoil. While voices are being raised to condemn these practices, the secretary general of the UDPS, Augustin Kabuya, is trying to justify these gifts as a simple motivation for provincial deputies who lack the means of travel.
However, for detractors, including Prince Epenge, executive of Lamuka, it is indeed an act of corruption aimed at influencing the votes of provincial deputies during the elections of governors, vice-governors and senators. The question of integrity and ethics in the electoral process then arises acutely.
Professor Florimond Muteba, president of the Public Expenditure Observatory, vigorously underlines the worrying nature of this affair. He warns against a normalization of corruption as a means of access to power, pointing out the moral and ethical drift of the political actors involved.
The Congolese Association for Access to Justice (ACAJ) strongly denounces these actions and calls on justice to shed light on this matter. The request for the arrest of Augustin Kabuya is even mentioned, underlining the importance of the fight against corruption and impunity.
The revelations about the origin of the vehicles, their distribution and the reaction of the competent authorities highlight the dysfunctions of the Congolese political sphere. Security services eventually seized the jeeps, but the question remains: for what purpose were these actions taken, and what will be the consequences for those responsible?
In short, this corruption affair highlights the major challenges facing the DRC in terms of good governance, transparency and political ethics. It recalls the crucial importance of the independence of the judiciary and the fight against corruption to preserve democracy and the integrity of the electoral process.