The Congolese Parliament recently adopted the bill on the rendering of accounts for the 2023 financial year. This decision follows an in-depth analysis of the report of the ECOFIN committee responsible for examining the text. The Minister of Finance, Doudou Fwamba, presented and defended this bill before elected officials, stressing that the central government budget for the year 2023 was set at 32,456.78 billion FCFA.
Budget revenues reached 29,607.09 billion FCFA, an implementation rate of 91.22%, while expenditures amounted to 13,316.23 billion FCFA, with an execution rate of 96.49%. During his speech, the Minister highlighted the economic and social situation of the country, marked by challenges such as the organization of elections, the war in the East of the country and the implementation of development programs such as free basic education and universal health coverage.
The debate that followed the adoption of the bill was lively, with senators expressing criticism of the government on the management of public finances. They pointed out inconsistencies, expenditure deemed excessive, as well as mismanagement, such as budget overruns and the payment of uncertified debts. Some also denounced the lack of transparency and the inoperationality of certain financial institutions.
Accountability is an essential mechanism for control and transparency in the management of public funds. By being accountable for the use of allocated resources, the government is called upon to assume its responsibility towards the population. Parliamentarians therefore have an important role to play in monitoring public spending and ensuring compliance with financial rules and procedures.
This crucial accountability stage paves the way for the examination of the draft finance bill for the 2025 financial year. It is essential that the lessons learned from the previous financial year are used to improve public financial management and strengthen transparency and accountability in the use of state resources.
This desire for transparency and accountability is a fundamental pillar of democracy and good governance. It strengthens citizens’ trust in institutions and helps ensure the efficient and equitable use of public funds. In short, accountability is a guarantee of good management and respect for the general interest, values that are essential for building a just and equitable society.