Fatshimetrie, July 2, 2024 – A case is currently intriguing the Court of Auditors of the Democratic Republic of Congo. A senior civil servant, Joseph Itela Y’Ilondo, is at the center of an investigation into personal check issuance within the National Agency for Meteorology and Remote Sensing by Satellite, also known as Metelsat.
During his hearing, Joseph Itela Y’Ilondo was questioned about the procedure for incurring expenses within Metelsat. He explained the complex process to follow to obtain funds, notably mentioning the absence of the signature of the financial director on certain checks issued. He stressed that a request for funds must be approved by several authorities before being authorized.
A key issue raised during the hearing was the number of cash registers maintained by Metelsat and the procedure for withdrawing funds from the bank. Y’Ilondo clarified that there is only one central fund and withdrawals are made by the treasurer or cashier and then deposited into that central fund.
Y’Ilondo’s lawyers requested the hearing of several people to further clarify Metelsat’s financial practices. The chairman of the board of directors, the deputy general manager, the cashier and the treasurer will therefore be invited to the next hearing to make their contribution.
This case raises important questions regarding the management of public funds and the importance of transparency in government agencies. The Court of Auditors, as a judicial control body, plays an essential role in the monitoring and proper use of public funds.
Today’s hearing was suspended and postponed until July 16 for the hearing of witnesses. The presence of the first president of the Court of Auditors, Jimmy Munganga, underlines the importance of this affair. Indeed, the fight against corruption and the transparent management of public finances are major challenges for the economic and social development of the country.
The Joseph Itela Y’Ilondo affair highlights the need for rigorous oversight of public spending and strict enforcement of financial procedures within government institutions. This ongoing investigation underlines the commitment of the Court of Auditors to guarantee good governance and financial accountability in the interest of all citizens of the Democratic Republic of Congo.