Category: Legal

The city of Goma, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, is facing a disturbing wave of popular condemnation. Fifteen people have been victims of this brutal punishment so far this year. A workshop was organized by the NGO COMOAD to sensitize civil society, citizens’ movements and the police to this problem. The ignorance of the population as to the consequences of mob justice and the inefficiency of the competent services have been identified as causes of this phenomenon. The slowness and inaction of the police, as well as corruption within the judicial system, have also been blamed. The participants suggested equipping the police with adequate logistical means and sanctioning corrupt magistrates to fight mob vindictiveness. The population is also called upon to play an active role in denouncing reprehensible acts. To put an end to this dangerous practice, it is essential that the authorities, civil society and the population work together. A change of mentality based on respect for human rights and the rule of law is necessary to build a peaceful and prosperous community in Goma.

The management of local development programs in DR Congo must be transparent and subject to rigorous controls to ensure efficient and equitable use of public resources. A recent controversy surrounding the control of the Local Development Program of 145 Territories has highlighted the need for transparency and accountability in the management of these programs. Transparency is essential to prevent corruption and promote the economic and social development of the country. The authorities must strengthen control and transparency mechanisms, involve the competent bodies, and inform citizens transparently about the use of public funds. Transparency is a key pillar of good governance and sustainable development.

The transparent and responsible management of public finances is a major issue in the Democratic Republic of Congo. To fight against embezzlement, the General Inspectorate of Finance (IGF) and the National Association of Portfolio Companies (ANEP) organized an educational session. This initiative aims to raise public company officers’ awareness of the risks of prevarication and to provide them with the necessary tools to avoid the pitfalls. The IGF stressed the importance of ex ante and concurrent control to ensure good governance. The representatives expressed their satisfaction and consider this training as an opportunity to improve the management of public finances and contribute to the construction of a transparent and accountable State. This session is an important step in the fight against embezzlement and bad practices.

The meeting of SADC Ministers of Justice in Kinshasa opened new perspectives for the development of Southern Africa. Ministers strengthened regional integration by reviewing the SADC regional development strategic plan. Recommendations for accelerating the ratification of legal instruments were formulated. Discussions also focused on improving the legal and economic framework, including through projects to strengthen the SADC Protocol on Employment and Labor and the SADC Declaration on Accelerating Action to End AIDS. The role and functioning of the SADC Tribunal was also discussed. In conclusion, this meeting opened new perspectives for a stronger and more united SADC.

In this excerpt, we discuss the fight against bad governance and corruption in the Kasai Oriental region. A control mission by finance inspectors was poorly received by provincial authorities, raising questions about the transparency and integrity of public finance management. Videos and testimonies show that the inspectors were evacuated manu militari from the Governorate and threatened by the police. Allegations of hiding bank accounts have also been made. These events highlight governance issues and underscore the importance of transparency and accountability in public financial management. There were many reactions, questioning the governor’s political integrity and stressing the need to fight corruption. It is crucial to promote responsible governance and put in place effective control mechanisms to restore citizens’ trust.

The BCECO wishes to clarify its position regarding the financial control mission of the IGF. He is not opposed to this mission but calls for the search for a compromise to ensure transparent financial management. The Office emphasizes the importance of handling the affairs of the state responsibly and professionally, while maintaining the confidentiality of sensitive information. The BCECO thus invites the heads of the two institutions to begin discussions to find a compromise between transparency and confidentiality. This position bears witness to BCECO’s desire to collaborate with the IGF and to promote transparent and responsible governance.

The article highlights the proliferation of government agencies and structures attached to the Presidency in the DRC, raising questions about their necessity and their impact on public finances. Some experts question their usefulness and point to issues of overlapping jurisdictions and lack of transparency. Moreover, the financial cost of these agencies is seen as a burden on the Congolese state. It is therefore necessary to assess the relevance and effectiveness of these agencies, while ensuring their supervision and accountability for optimal management of public resources.

The Congolese Association for Access to Justice (ACAJ) is calling for an investigation into obscene videos implicating members of the security forces in the Democratic Republic of Congo. These acts are in violation of the Digital Code Ordinance and raise concerns about the impunity enjoyed by these agents. ACAJ urges the Attorney General to take steps to discourage such abuses of power. This conviction highlights a serious problem of violation of human rights. It is crucial that measures are taken to punish those responsible and to maintain public confidence in the security forces. A rigorous and impartial investigation is essential to ensure justice and prevent such acts from happening again in the future.

The article sheds light on a tense episode between the provincial authorities of Kasai Oriental and a delegation of financial inspectors in charge of controlling the financial management of the province. The governor resisted this mission of control and tried to conceal it by affirming that a mission of the Court of Auditors was already planned. However, the first president of the court of auditors denied this assertion. These events raise concerns about transparency and good governance in the province and highlight the importance of strengthening control and accountability mechanisms. The article also calls for the fight against corruption and the promotion of transparency, stressing that only concrete measures will restore public confidence and ensure a better future for the region and the whole country.

Amid growing concern about securing critical mineral supply chains, the United States has decided to strengthen its relationship with the DRC. New legislation to ban the import of Congolese products containing minerals from mining areas where child labor is prevalent has been considered by the US Congress. This law, called Bridge to DRC, aims to protect supply chains while combating practices harmful to human rights. It marks an important step in efforts to ensure ethical practices and promises to strengthen relations between the two countries.