DRC Anti-Corruption Network Proposes Reductions in Govt Spending
The Pan-African Anti-Corruption Network (Unis), a member of the Congo is not for Sale (CNPV) organization, has released a report proposing measures to reduce the cost of governmental institutions in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The report, published on Monday, February 24, focuses on cutting unnecessary expenses, particularly those associated with political institutions.
Unis recommends the abolition of the Senate, a parliamentary institution comprising 109 senators, the honorary president, and staff, which incurs significant costs to the Congolese state despite its limited and often redundant role in the legislative process.
“In the balance of power between the two chambers, the National Assembly holds the final authority on all matters in the event of disagreement,” Unis stated.
“The Senate’s input has often been dismissed, even when it was relevant, making it an unnecessary financial burden on the state.”
Unis estimates that abolishing the Senate could save the Congolese government US$91.3 million for the 2024 budget. These funds, they suggest, could be redirected to critical areas such as agriculture, where a quarter of the DRC’s population faces acute hunger, as reported by the United Nations.
Unis also calls for the elimination of obsolete institutions, such as the National Council for Monitoring the Saint Sylvester Agreement (CNSA), which was established in 2016 for electoral purposes.
Despite its diminishing relevance, the CNSA continues to receive substantial operating funds, which Unis deems unnecessary.
In 2025, the CNSA’s budget is set at 4.5 billion Congolese francs (around US$2 million). In the first half of 2024, the Public Treasury allocated over 1 billion FC (roughly US$413,624) to the agency. Unis criticizes the continued funding of the CNSA, pointing out that it no longer serves any useful function.
Unis also highlights a failed 2019 initiative by former MP Delly Sesanga, who sought to dissolve the CNSA, a proposal that was unsuccessful.
The CNSA’s leadership continues to justify its existence, citing the lack of local elections, though Unis argues that the current CENI (National Independent Electoral Commission) team has made the CNSA redundant.
Unis concludes that the funds allocated to these outdated bodies represent a waste of public resources that could be better used to address pressing issues like food security and economic development.
