Crisis in the Provincial Assembly of Equateur in the DRC, petition against embezzlement and deputies declared at the end of their mandate
The situation in the Provincial Assembly of Equateur, in the northwest of the DRC, has reached a critical point. A group of provincial deputies launched a petition against the members of the Permanent Bureau of the deliberative body, accusing them of embezzlement. This affair has plunged the institution into an almost total crisis since Thursday October 19, 2023.
The petition implicates the President of the Assembly, Marie-Josée Molebo, the Vice-President Clovis Elongama and the rapporteur Peter Lompose. These members of the Permanent Bureau would be the alleged perpetrators of the embezzlement of the institution’s operating costs. This accusation caused deep disagreement among the deputies.
The crisis worsens with the declaration of the end of mandate of eight parliamentarians of the Provincial Assembly. These deputies left their political parties, which results, according to article 110 and 197 paragraph 6 of the constitution and article 76 of the Internal Regulations, in the loss of their parliamentary mandate. The Permanent Bureau has therefore decided to take note of this loss of mandate and declares the eight provincial deputies as being in a situation of usurpation if they continue to rely on their status as deputies.
This political crisis within the Provincial Assembly of Ecuador has significant repercussions on the functioning of the institution. Tensions between members of the Permanent Bureau and certain deputies risk compromising the smooth running of parliamentary work.
It is crucial that political leaders quickly find a solution to this crisis in order to restore confidence within the Provincial Assembly. Transparency in the management of public funds and compliance with constitutional and regulatory rules must be priorities to ensure the proper functioning of the institution.
This situation once again underlines the importance of good governance and the fight against corruption in the Congolese political context. It is essential that the relevant authorities thoroughly investigate the allegations of embezzlement and take the necessary measures to punish those responsible.
In conclusion, the crisis in the Provincial Assembly of Equateur in the DRC highlights the challenges the country faces in its quest for transparent and accountable governance. It is essential to restore confidence in the Assembly and to take firm action against corruption in order to preserve the integrity of democratic institutions.