DRC Finance Minister Grilled in Senate Over Fund Transfers and 'Zaïrianisation' Assets

The Congolese Senate's grilling of Finance Minister Doudou Fwamba Likunde on May 14th highlights the persistent challenges facing the Democratic Republic of Congo in ensuring equitable development and managing its economic legacy.

Radio Okapi reports that Senator Célestin Vunabandi pressed the minister on the chronic delays in "rétrocession" – the transfer of national revenues to the provinces. Minister Fwamba cited the dire security situation as a major impediment, explaining that a staggering 30 to 37 percent of the national budget is consumed by military spending. This stark reality underscores the difficult balancing act the government faces: addressing internal conflicts while simultaneously trying to foster development across the vast nation. The minister assured that efforts are underway to clear the backlog of payments, a promise that will undoubtedly be scrutinized by provincial representatives.

The discussion also delved into the controversial "zaïrianisation" policy, a relic of the Mobutu Sese Seko era aimed at nationalizing businesses and transferring them to Congolese citizens. Senator Vunabandi pointed out that many of these enterprises, including plantations and factories, have since been abandoned and have become sources of land disputes. Minister Fwamba acknowledged this issue and announced that a national inventory of these state assets is being conducted to identify and potentially revitalize them. This effort to reclaim and manage the remnants of past economic policies is crucial for unlocking future growth.

Furthermore, the minister outlined plans to breathe life into the National Equalization Fund, a constitutional mechanism designed to reduce inter-provincial inequalities. A $20 million fund and a forthcoming strategic workshop are intended to kickstart its operations. For Congolese citizens, particularly those in less developed provinces, the effective functioning of this fund is not just an economic matter but a matter of national cohesion and fairness. The minister has been given 48 hours to provide further detailed responses, indicating the seriousness with which the Senate is treating these critical issues. This hearing, while focused on financial and administrative matters, touches upon the very core of governance and equitable resource distribution in the DRC.

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Between 30 and 37% of public resources are currently absorbed by military spending.