Government portfolio companies should refrain from funding all ministerial expenses related to the operation and/or mission costs of the ministers exercising their authority. The call to order comes from Prime Minister Sylvestre Ilunga Ilunga Ilunkamba.

In a letter dated 9 October 2019 addressed to all his ministers, the Head of Government denounced such practices which, in his opinion, are contrary to good governance and constitute a serious breach of the Act of Ethical Commitment to which all members have subscribed.

Clearly, Ilunga Ilunkamba forces members of the central government to avoid double financing of their expenses by the public treasury directly, even if it is not punctual, and the funds of state enterprises indirectly.

This questioning is thus intended to discourage those members of the Government who have distinguished themselves by this practice, which has been ingrained for years in ministerial cabinets.

« I would like to believe that the Prime Minister has heard of actions by some ministers in this regard. Refractories that are called to order will undoubtedly be punished, » commented Robert Mutombo, an analyst.

If, by marking their adherence to the Code of Ethics and Good Conduct for Public Officials, the members of the Government had put the rope around their necks, it only takes a small slip for the Prime Minister to take action to serve as an example and consolidate the practice of good governance.

In his warning, he instructed the ministers responsible for certain companies and public institutions to pass on the information to managers by asking them for reports of the expenses they had already incurred.

To be read : DRC: the six ethical obligations of members of the Government

Deputy Prime Ministers, Ministers of State, Ministers, Deputy Ministers and Deputy Ministers all undertook, on 18 September 2019, to mark a break with the past with regard to everything negative and anti-values in the performance of their missions.

They must not misuse public resources and must comply with all the articles of the Code of Conduct for the Public Service of the State in force since 2002.

Emilie MBOYO