The meeting of the governors of the Democratic Republic of Congo in Kalémie during the annual conference gave rise to in-depth discussions and crucial recommendations for the future of the Congolese provinces. This meeting was an opportunity for the heads of the provincial executives to highlight the challenges facing their respective regions and to formulate specific requests to strengthen the role of the provinces in national governance.
On the political level, the governors highlighted the need to preserve the stability of the provincial executives by requesting concrete measures to limit abusive motions of censure. This practice, described as destabilizing, weakens provincial governance and hinders the development of the provinces. The governors called for the strengthening of institutions and increased support from the central authority to ensure the continuity of actions undertaken at the provincial level.
With regard to financial aspects, the governors expressed their concern about the delays in payment of the installation costs of the governors and vice-governors, as well as the emoluments of the communal councilors. This situation compromises the management of public affairs at the local level and harms the proper functioning of provincial institutions. The governors stressed the need to ensure better management of financial resources and to guarantee transparency in the distribution of funds intended for the provinces.
The economic dimension was also at the heart of the governors’ concerns. They formulated proposals aimed at stimulating economic activity at the provincial level, in particular by facilitating access to investments and encouraging the development of local projects that create jobs. They stressed the importance of provincial participation in the management of natural resources in order to promote sustainable and equitable development.
In terms of security, the governors called for strengthening the capacities of law enforcement agencies, in particular the Congolese National Police, in order to guarantee the security of citizens and combat crime in certain regions. They proposed concrete measures to improve coordination between local authorities and security forces, as well as to strengthen the prevention and repression of criminal acts.
Finally, the governors discussed the need to improve governance at the local level by establishing mechanisms to monitor development programmes and by promoting citizen participation. They stressed the importance of environmental protection and the promotion of local initiatives to preserve natural resources..
In conclusion, the conference of governors of the DRC in Kalémie was an opportunity to highlight the challenges and issues facing the Congolese provinces. The recommendations made by the governors aim to strengthen local governance, promote the economic and social development of the provinces, and guarantee the security and well-being of the populations. These proposals call for concerted action and strengthened cooperation between the different actors to address current challenges and build a better future for all provinces of the DRC.