**DRC: A budgetary transformation between necessity and innovation**
In a delicate geopolitical context where the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is facing a prolonged armed aggression, the government, led by Prime Minister Judith Suminwa, is implementing a major restructuring of its budgetary policy. Announced by a letter dated February 5, 2025, this dynamic proposes a serious tightening of public spending criteria, focused exclusively on defense operations and emergency travel of senior officials. This decision is also necessary in a broader framework, aimed at redefining the management of public resources.
### A budgetary orthodoxy in the face of a national emergency
This budgetary revision is not limited to a simple regulation of state finances; it is part of an approach inspired by financial orthodoxy. The decision of February 5 is based on the ministerial decree of December 20, 2024, which already regulated public spending circuits. The need for a structural response to external threats is paramount. It is the government’s response to the challenges of economic and security survival: redirecting finances towards strategic objectives.
Thus, the new measures do not only bring budgetary restriction, but reflect a desire to optimize resources in order to support the armed forces. It is interesting to note that this change is part of a historical trend in times of crisis, where governments choose to reallocate spending to sectors deemed essential, to the detriment of certain allocations considered non-priority. This phenomenon, known as the war economy, is said to be inspired by historical examples, such as the mobilization of resources in times of conflict in other states.
### Budgetary choices influenced by Keynesian theory
At the same time, this reallocation of resources resonates with Keynesian principles, which maintain that state intervention is essential in times of crisis to maintain economic activity. Suminwa’s intention is clear: to rapidly mobilize funds to sectors that not only guarantee security, but also short-term economic benefits. However, it is essential to examine whether such a model can truly generate sustainable growth or whether it risks further anchoring the DRC in a logic of dependence on security spending.
Historically, nations facing crises have struggled to escape a cycle of debt and concentration of resources. It is therefore crucial that these decisions be accompanied by structural reforms in financial governance. In this regard, it would be interesting to compare the situation in the DRC with that of countries such as Israel, where, faced with similar security challenges, rigorous and transparent management of public finances, accompanied by technological innovations, has helped maintain economic resilience.
### Financial governance and transparency: crucial issues
Another essential aspect of this reform is its potential impact on financial governance. As the DRC fights against systemic corruption that weakens its institutions, the implementation of rigorous control of public spending appears to be a necessity. The history of governance in the country, marked by dysfunctions and a lack of transparency, fuels fears that this new strategy will not necessarily translate into an efficient use of resources.
To support this dynamic, the evaluation and monitoring of expenditure must be a priority. This can involve the adoption of digital systems for the traceability of public funds, inspired by successful experiences in other sub-Saharan African countries. Greater transparency could strengthen the trust of citizens and international partners, which is essential to attract investment that could support the country’s economic reconstruction.
### Towards a new economy of sovereignty
In sum, the DRC’s current budgetary approach, although motivated by security emergencies, represents an opportunity to initiate a real economic transformation. If the government succeeds in maintaining rigorous budgetary discipline while prioritizing urgent expenditures, this could potentially lay the foundations for improved financial governance and sustainable long-term economic development.
In this perspective, courageous choices must be made. The Congolese population expects its institutions to manage resources in a way that directly benefits them, thereby ensuring a narrowing of the gap between a lagging welfare state and the legitimate expectations of civil society. The dynamic initiated by the Prime Minister could thus be part of a path towards real autonomy and inclusive development. The responsibilities are great, and the success of this reform will depend not only on the ability to manage public finances wisely, but also on a sincere commitment to building dynamic and responsible institutions.