Controversy Surrounds $3 Million Investment Funds in Kasaï-Oriental
The province of Kasaï-Oriental is embroiled in a major controversy over an alleged endowment of $3 million, supposedly allocated by the central government. This issue gained traction after a public denunciation by Senator Alphonse Ngoyi Kasanji, posted on social media on January 2, 2025. In his message, the senator claims that the governor of the province, Jean Paul Mbwebwa Kapo, had recently received this amount on the orders of the president. He specifies that this sum is unprecedented in the province’s history since 1960.
Concerns Over Fund Utilization
During an interview with Actualité.cd on Saturday, January 4, Alphonse Ngoyi Kasanji expressed his concerns regarding the use of these funds. He emphasizes the need for equitable distribution among all entities in the province and laments the focus solely on the city of Mbuji-Mayi. According to him, this fund should be dedicated to infrastructure capable of stimulating socio-economic development, particularly in the face of rising food prices and the critical state of agricultural access roads. He also underscores the importance of transparency and public oversight, reminding that “state funds are public” and should be subject to parliamentary, institutional, and citizen controls. Finally, he questions the silence surrounding the management of this sum.
Investigation Underway
On the other hand, the president of the economic and financial commission of the provincial assembly, Franck Kazadi, stated that an investigation is ongoing. He shared preliminary information on his social media accounts, stating that the $3 million had been deposited at TMB in the form of a Fixed-Term Deposit (DAT). He also revealed that a $2.5 million credit had been obtained from the bank, with the DAT as collateral. This mechanism aims, according to him, to gradually repay this credit with the investment funds allocated by Kinshasa. Franck Kazadi has requested details on the balance of this account and justifications for the planned projects, emphasizing that they must be both prioritized and productive for the province.
Governor’s Silence
So far, the governor of Kasaï-Oriental province has not officially commented on this matter, which continues to ignite passionate debates and fuel numerous speculations.
The controversy surrounding the $3 million investment funds in Kasaï-Oriental underscores the importance of accountability and transparency in public financial management. As citizens, it is crucial to demand clarity and oversight to ensure that allocated funds are used effectively for the development of our communities. Let this serve as a reminder of the power of public scrutiny in upholding good governance practices and fostering sustainable growth for all.