The delay in pays for public officials in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), now established at 14 days according to the Research Center in Public Finance and Local Development (CREFDL), raises concerns that go far beyond the simple budget management. The implications of this delay, although frequent in this complex reality, deserve to be examined from a broader angle, taking into account the systemic effects on the country’s socio -political stability and on the perception of institutions by citizens.
### A multidimensional financial crisis
The delay in payments is not limited to a calendar problem; It is the symptom of a much deeper financial crisis. Significant wage increases for the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC), whose salary envelope should double between December 2024 and 2025, were not accompanied by a clear strategic vision on public revenues. A multiplication of military spending, without a correlation with the increase in income, is not only irresponsible on the budgetary level, but risky for the search for a lasting peace in a country where security remains volatile.
The situation of public revenues is accentuated by the crisis that rages in the Kivu region. The suspension of mining activities – the nerve of economic war in the DRC, which represented almost 50 % of the state budget in 2022 – is an aggravating factor. The destabilization of the east of the country, with persistent armed conflicts, leads to a drastic decrease in public revenues, estimated at $ 250 million per year for the two Kivu, a quarter of internal revenues. This is not only translated into payment delays, but in an increase in social tensions, since the lack of liquidity deprives many Congolese of their livelihoods.
### Sociopolitical impact: towards a vicious circle?
In a country where the majority of the population depends on the state for its income, each pay delay is a catalyst for dissatisfaction. This dissatisfaction, if it is not adequately treated, can cause manifestations, strikes and, in the worst case, social radicalization. For example, the 2018 elections had already shown how accumulated frustrations could turn into urban violence. The current situation could therefore remind decision -makers that social peace cannot only be provided by costly military operations.
A comparative look at other developing countries shows that public finance management problems, if they are not questioned, can cross the threshold of no return. For example, in Argentina, payment delays and rampant inflation led to a loss of confidence in institutions, resulting in recurrent political crises. The DRC could face a similar dynamic if the current trend continues.
### Towards a revision of economic policy?
While the CREFDL highlights budgetary problems in an analytical way, it is crucial to consider solutions. The restructuring of public finances could involve a reassessment of budgetary priorities, better collection of tax revenue and, above all, a strong commitment to the modernization of mining operations. What innovations on tax and royalty collection technologies could increase the state budget respecting the principles of transparency necessary for the confidence of international donors?
In addition, the establishment of an inclusive dialogue around public spending could help establish priorities in accordance with the expectations of citizens. The new economic models that the DRC could adopt, such as the green economy, could offer alternative growth paths less dependent on fluctuations in mining income.
### In conclusion
The pay delays in the public sector in the DRC, although they seem to be a simple question of administrative management, are symptomatic of much more serious problems at the heart of governance and political stability. Economic and social issues are interconnected and require a deep reflection on the mechanisms that shape the reality of the Congolese. Tackling this problem requires a daring questioning of current political and economic choices to consider a better, more stable and inclusive future for the Congolese population. The road is strewn with pitfalls, but without a significant change in course, the DRC may well be trapped in an infernal cycle of debts, frustrations and conflicts.