The deputy Flory Mapamboli recently raised a crucial question concerning the management of funds intended for the compensation of victims of illegal activities in Uganda in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). On May 15, he sent a written question to the coordinator of the Special Fund for the distribution of compensation to the victims of illegal activities in Uganda (FRIVAO), pointing to serious concerns about an alleged “unorthodox” management of these resources.
This incident highlights, once again, the persistent challenges faced by the DRC in the management of its public finances and compensation programs. The FRIVAO Fund had been created, as indicated in decree n ° 19/20 of December 13, 2019, to ensure that the victims of the atrocities suffered during conflicts can receive adequate compensation. The mission is all the more essential given the sufferings that these victims have endured and the trauma that has persisted for decades.
The allegations formulated by Mr. Mapamboli should not be taken lightly. It evokes the existence of “sources” which mean that funds intended for compensation could have been diverted for unpreted uses, which raises several questions. What are the transparency measures put in place to ensure that these funds are well used as expected? What control mechanisms exist to avoid potential abuses in the distribution of resources? If these concerns are founded, it is imperative to act with diligence to restore public confidence towards the system, as well as to guarantee that help actually achieve those who need it most.
The deputy asked that the FRIVAO coordinator has a complete inventory of the funds received from Uganda, accompanied by the necessary evidence. This request might seem direct, but it is surely motivated by a need for clarification and transparency which is essential in the current context. Indeed, many Congolese citizens, and especially the victims themselves, wonder about the destination of these funds, a situation which can fuel dissatisfaction and undermine confidence in institutions.
It is also important to consider that the management of public funds, especially in a country with a complex history of conflicts and bad governance, is a sensitive subject. Transparency and good resource management must become priorities to restore confidence and promote a peace climate. Recent events highlight the importance of a clear and rigorous framework to ensure the traceability of the funds, ensuring that every penny arrives where it is most necessary.
The question of the management of compensation funds could also open up a broader debate on the responsibility of political actors and institutions in terms of compensation and support for victims of conflicts. How to establish a system that is both reactive to the needs of victims and effective in the use of resources? What lessons can be learned from past experiences in other similar contexts in the world?
In short, the arrest of the Mapamboli deputy is not only a question on fund management, but it also invites to a deeper reflection on the mechanisms of repair and reconciliation in the DRC. This is an opportunity for FRIVAO officials, as well as for all Congolese authorities, to show their commitment to improve transparency, to combat corruption and to meet the needs of victims.
The evolution of this case could have significant ramifications for public confidence towards institutions, but also for the entire process of reconciliation in the country. It is crucial that all stakeholders, including victims, are included in this conversation to build a future where lessons in the past are respected and where the needs of the most vulnerable are taken into account.