The uprising of the municipal councilors of the city of Kindu, in the province of Maniema in the Democratic Republic of Congo, has once again highlighted the difficulties faced by these local elected officials in the exercise of their functions. Their peaceful march, brutally repressed by the police with tear gas, underlines the urgency of adequate support for these essential actors of local democracy.
Since their election in December 2023, the municipal councilors of Kindu claim to have received no salary or operating expenses. This alarming situation jeopardizes their ability to fulfill their missions in the service of the population. Indeed, how can they effectively ensure the management of public affairs and respond to the needs of their fellow citizens if they do not have the necessary resources?
The president of the collective of elected municipal councilors of the city of Kindu, Witanene Kubali, denounces an abandonment of their fate and highlights the disarray in which they find themselves. Not only are municipal councillors deprived of remuneration, they also face opposition from mayors, who refuse any form of control over their management.
Unfortunately, this situation is not isolated to Kindu. Municipal councillors in many other Congolese cities find themselves in similar conditions, jeopardising the proper functioning of local democracy. Faced with this crisis, elected officials are legitimately demanding the rapid organisation of elections for mayors and urban councillors, as well as the immediate payment of their emoluments and operating costs.
The silence of the political and administrative authorities in the face of these legitimate demands is incomprehensible. The Ministry of the Interior has certainly called for municipal councillors to be covered by the share of national retrocessions, but concrete measures must be taken to guarantee the proper functioning of local authorities.
It is essential that the competent authorities take the legitimate requests of municipal councillors seriously and act accordingly. The credibility of the democratic system and the stability of local authorities in the DRC are at stake. Local elected officials are on the front line to meet the needs of citizens, and their financial and logistical support is essential to ensure the smooth running of their missions. It is time for actions to follow words and for municipal councilors to finally be adequately supported.