Association Calls for Prioritizing Deep-Water Port of Banana
In a recent development, the Congolese Association for Access to Justice (ACAJ) has urged the government to reconsider the construction of the road-rail bridge linking Kinshasa to Brazzaville, citing concerns about diverting attention from crucial national priorities. The estimated cost of the project’s first phase is $700 million, aiming to connect two of the world’s closest capitals.
ACAJ’s Stance
During a meeting held on January 14th between government delegations of both countries, the project was revived. However, ACAJ has issued a press release urging the Parliament to oppose the Democratic Republic of Congo’s engagement in this project, claiming it is premature. The association highlighted the delay in completing the deep-water port of Banana, a strategic infrastructure in the Kongo-Central province, managed by the Qatari firm DP World.
ACAJ also emphasized President Félix Tshisekedi’s commitment to not authorize the bridge’s construction until the completion and operation of the deep-water port. The association questions whether this commitment is being upheld.
Geostrategic Concerns
ACAJ warns against a potentially detrimental policy, labeling it as “suicidal.” Delaying or abandoning the Banana deep-water port project could increase the DRC’s reliance on foreign ports, such as Pointe-Noire in Congo-Brazzaville, owned by the French multinational Bolloré. The association believes that advancing the road-rail bridge without an operational port at Banana would strengthen Pointe-Noire’s monopoly, disadvantaging the DRC’s economic interests.
The association alleges that halting port construction is influenced by a group of Congolese businessmen aiming to secure port concessions under opaque conditions at Matadi port.