**Fatshimetrie: Focus on Decentralization and the Challenges for the Provincial Assembly of Kinshasa**
Within the Provincial Assembly of Kinshasa, the urgency of decentralization is becoming more and more pressing. By opening the ordinary session of September 2024, President Lévi Mbuta once again highlighted the importance of implementing decentralization as provided for in the Congolese constitution. This crucial subject reveals the challenges facing the assembly, and raises essential questions about its proper functioning and autonomy.
Decentralization, enshrined in the constitutional texts since the 2006 constituent, now appears to be a major issue for the Congolese provinces. Indeed, the transfer of powers to decentralized territorial entities, such as agriculture, education, health or culture, is essential to ensure harmonious development and efficient management of resources. However, despite these legal provisions, the implementation of decentralization faces many obstacles, jeopardizing the proper functioning of provincial institutions.
One of the main difficulties mentioned by the President of the Provincial Assembly of Kinshasa is the lack of resources allocated by the central government. Indeed, the non-payment of operating costs of provincial assemblies hinders their ability to fully fulfill their mission. This situation weakens not only provincial institutions, but also the entire decentralized system, thus compromising the development of the provinces and the well-being of their inhabitants.
The call launched by Lévi Mbuta to Prime Minister Judith Suminwa Tuluka to resolve this crucial issue underlines the urgency of action to guarantee the financial autonomy of the provinces. Indeed, without adequate financial support, it becomes difficult, if not impossible, for provincial assemblies to fulfill their functions and meet the expectations of citizens. This situation highlights the need for genuine political will and active cooperation between the central government and the provinces to overcome the obstacles to decentralization.
In conclusion, the effective implementation of decentralization in the Democratic Republic of Congo appears to be imperative to ensure the proper functioning of provincial institutions and promote equitable and sustainable development throughout the country. In the face of current challenges, it is essential that central and provincial authorities work together to overcome the obstacles encountered and ensure effective and transparent management of resources at the local level. Only concerted and resolute action will make decentralization a reality that brings hope for the future of the DRC.