The issue of corruption is once again on the table in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), following remarks made by Nikki Haley, former permanent representative of the United States to the UN. In an interview on the American channel FOX, the latter called on members of Congress to dismiss FBI investigators who allegedly lacked objectivity in the investigation of possible collusion between Donald Trump and Russia during the 2016 elections. To back up her point, Haley compared the situation to Third World countries, including the DRC which she says is notorious for corruption.
These statements prompted a reaction from the Congolese president’s spokeswoman, Tina Salama, who called the use of the DRC for “demagogy” inappropriate. She also stressed that progress has been made in the fight against corruption since Nikki Haley’s last trip to the DRC in 2017.
However, corruption problems remain a reality in the DRC, as evidenced by several demonstrations organized in recent months to protest against the deterioration of the socio-economic situation due in particular to corruption. In addition, the deadly violence in the north of Bunia has killed more than 500 people in six months, while insecurity is growing in Kinshasa.
Despite these challenges, initiatives are underway to improve governance and promote transparency in the management of natural resources, notably with the proposal of a new law regulating the right to strike in the DRC. However, the dissolution of the Social Fund and the pressure put on by the Sacred Union to speed up the return of the civil administration have created some concern about the realization of humanitarian and development projects in the country.
In sum, corruption remains a major challenge in the DRC, although efforts are being made to address it. However, the current situation shows that concrete actions must be taken to fight against this scourge and improve the living conditions of the population.