The Directorate General of Revenue of Kinshasa (DGRK) is going through an unprecedented crisis. An internal report revealed a catastrophic financial situation, highlighting questionable practices and irregularities in the management of this agency essential to the functioning of the Congolese capital.
According to this report, the DGRK has accumulated several months of salary and bonus arrears for its staff. At the same time, the institution is heavily indebted to numerous partners. These financial difficulties are largely attributed to massive and irregular recruitment carried out in violation of instructions from the hierarchy.
Faced with this alarming situation, the Governor of the city of Kinshasa, Daniel Bumba Lubaki, decided to take drastic measures. All acts of commitment signed since January 2022, recruitments and advancements in grade carried out since January 2024 are suspended. People recruited during this period will have to cease their activities within the DGRK.
A technical commission will be set up to examine these irregularities more closely and propose lasting solutions. This decision, although difficult, is considered necessary to save the DGRK and guarantee the sustainability of public services in Kinshasa. The provincial authorities thus intend to reestablish sound and transparent management of this crucial management for the financing of the city’s development projects.
The consequences of this crisis could be felt for several months. DGRK services risk being disrupted by these recovery measures. In addition, the implementation of these decisions could cause social tensions among staff.
The new director general of the DGRK will have to face many challenges to turn around the situation. In particular, he will have to put in place measures to consolidate the finances of the authority, improve personnel management and strengthen the confidence of partners.
Kuzamba Mbuangu
Belgium
