The recent meeting between Prime Minister Judith Suminwa Tuluka and municipal councillors in Kinshasa generated considerable interest and raised questions about the resolution of the demands of local elected officials. This meeting followed a protest march organised by municipal councillors demanding, in particular, eight months of emoluments, installation costs, and the publication of the calendar for the elections of mayors and urban councillors.
The president of the collective of municipal deputies reported that the Prime Minister affirmed that the Government was actively working on these issues, already raised at the last Council of Ministers. This announcement raises hope among local elected officials about the imminent resolution of these financial and organisational problems.
The issue of the elections of mayors was also discussed at this meeting. The Prime Minister reassured the municipal councillors by stating that discussions were underway with the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI) to release the funds necessary for the organisation of these elections. This approach demonstrates the government’s desire to ensure political stability at the local level by promoting democratic and transparent elections.
Furthermore, the mobilization of municipal councilors was not limited to Kinshasa, as similar demonstrations were observed in several provinces of the country. In Kalemie and Mbuji-Mayi, local elected officials submitted memos to provincial authorities to express their demands and their desire to see their rights respected.
A total of 915 municipal councilors were elected during the last elections in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Their role is crucial in managing municipal affairs and in making important decisions for the well-being of citizens. It is essential that these elected officials receive fair compensation in order to ensure their independence and dignity in the exercise of their functions.
In conclusion, the meeting between Prime Minister Judith Suminwa Tuluka and the municipal councilors marks an important step in resolving the financial and organizational problems faced by these local elected officials. The government’s commitment to finding concrete and sustainable solutions is a positive signal for the consolidation of democracy and local governance in the Democratic Republic of Congo.