** Economic control in time of conflict: Analysis of declarations of the Congolese government **
On April 14, Congolese economic officials, under the direction of the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Economy, Daniel Mukoko Samba, expressed their satisfaction with the management of the economic situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) despite the difficult context of a war of aggression. This declaration raises several questions about the country’s economic reality in the face of internal and external tumults, as well as the measures that have been put in place to try to stabilize the situation.
### A positive economic observation
According to the government, good management of public finances as well as the increase in local agricultural production are the main reasons for this economic upturn. The stability of the exchange rate of the main currencies compared to the Congolese franc, noticed by state officials, is a key indicator in this evaluation. Indeed, in a context of war, where pressure on economic resources can be intense, when a government manages to maintain a certain degree of stability, this can be interpreted as a sign of resilience.
### The role of the central bank
Minister Samba highlighted the close collaboration between the government and the Central Bank of Congo (BCC), which plays an essential role in maintaining monetary stability. Indeed, regular interventions on the market, such as the sale of titles – in particular the good BCC – testify to a certain confidence of economic actors towards financial institutions. However, it is legitimate to ask the question: to what extent is this confidence based on concrete and sustainable actions, rather than a management allowing the current crisis?
### A complex economic reality
It is also crucial to consider the shades that could temperate these optimistic statements. While the declaration highlights the increase in agricultural production, it does not explicitly mention the challenges that this implies: dilapidated infrastructure, difficult access to markets, and climatic impacts which can compromise harvests. The question of sustainability and the quality of this production remains a concern.
In addition, the “increases in expenses” reported by Minister Samba in connection with the war of aggression raise other challenges. In a climate where financial resources are already limited, how does the government manage to balance these necessary expenses without compromising economic stability? The answer to this question will be central to assess the success or failure of these long -term measures.
### Price stability: a vast debate
The stability of goods and services prices, also mentioned by the Minister of Communication and the Media, Patrick Muyaya, is another point to examine closely. The perception of price stability is often subjective and can vary depending on the different strata of the population. The most vulnerable households often feel the impact of inflation on their daily lives. To what extent is this stability felt in the field and is it accessible to all Congolese?
### Improvement tracks and reflections
It would be relevant to continue reflections around the economic strategies set up to diversify and strengthen the Congolese economy in these difficult times. Cooperation between government and civil society, as well as the involvement of private actors, could be key elements in this company. Transparency in the management of public funds and the inclusion of the population in decision -making processes can strengthen this dynamic.
In conclusion, although the Congolese government’s statements on economic stability are encouraging, they must be contextualized with regard to the challenges present. It is essential to adopt a balanced and pragmatic approach, which takes into account not only the success proclaimed, but also the structural challenges that remain. Such an analysis could open the way to more suitable and effective solutions in the face of the complex reality that the DRC crosses.