Fatshimetrie July 16, 2024 (ACP) – At a time when transparency and good governance are major issues for the development of the Democratic Republic of Congo, the question of citizen control of public contracts arises with particular urgency. Indeed, it is essential that civil society and citizens mobilize to ensure that public funds are used efficiently and ethically.
During a recent awareness campaign in Kinshasa, young Congolese were invited to take an active part in the monitoring and citizen control of public contracts, in particular the fifth amendment to the Sicomines contract. This agreement, crucial for the Congolese economy, links the government to a Chinese mining company and represents a major challenge in terms of economic and social development for the country.
The speakers underlined the importance for young people to get involved in this process of citizen control, highlighting the need for transparency and accountability in the management of public resources. Indeed, it is essential that citizens can exercise real control over public contracts, whether in the infrastructure, energy, education or health sectors.
Civil society and communities are also called upon to play a crucial role in this process, ensuring that the interests of the population are taken into account and protected. In this sense, it is essential that the government involves civil society and communities in the implementation of projects financed by these contracts, in order to guarantee real consideration of the needs and expectations of citizens.
To facilitate the involvement of young people in this citizen control process, training, workshops and online resources will be put in place to support them in their approach. These initiatives will allow young Congolese to acquire the skills necessary to understand the challenges of public contracts, analyze data and formulate constructive proposals.
In short, citizen control of public contracts in the Democratic Republic of Congo is a crucial issue for the country’s development. It is essential that citizens become actively involved in this process, in order to guarantee transparency, accountability and good management of public resources. It is only by working together that we can build a better future for all Congolese people. ACP/C.L.