In the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), social conflict reached a high level with protests by sugar cane cutters from the Kwilu-Ngongo sugar company. The latter claim their benefits promised by the sugar company and deemed insufficient. The president of the Kwilu-Ngongo civil society consultation framework explained that the cuts in bonuses and poor working conditions were the trigger for these demonstrations. The pay of the fortnight of June 15 was a source of dissatisfaction leading to protests which led to the fire of the device intended for the sugar cane spreading missions. The cane cutters blocked the entrances and exits of the factory until the meeting which is currently underway with the stakeholders in order to find an urgent solution.
Despite the government’s efforts to revive the country’s economy by relying in particular on mining, which the city of Lubumbashi highlighted during DRC Mining Week, the DRC still seems to be facing internal insecurity with demonstrations in repetition. In the east of the country, the Djugu massacre was once again a reminder of the incompetence of the state of siege. In this context, the DRC could be missing an opportunity in terms of economic development, especially if this insecurity continues, thus affecting the attractiveness of the country vis-à-vis foreign investors.
In the province of Kongo Central, the Inspector General of Finance visited the local projects in progress to improve the quality of life of the population. While efforts are underway at this level to stimulate the local economy, unfortunately this is not enough to solve the economic problems predicted by the president of the Kinshasa Provincial Assembly, who launched a motion of no confidence against the president of the Provincial Assembly. This raises doubts about the effectiveness of the government’s public policies.
Overall, the DRC must redouble its efforts to ensure security in the east of the country by implementing policies to promote employment and improve working conditions. The agriculture and mining sectors could be the means of diversification of the Congolese economy.
The selection and orientation exams for Congolese students, the Tenassosp, have also started. Encouraged by the Prime Minister, these examinations will be a means of guiding children towards developing professional fields. This could pave the way for future growth in the country’s economy.
In this context, the DRC can still be a real gem for foreign investors. However, the authorities will have to show their ability to stimulate economic growth while meeting the social demands of local populations.