Transparency of Congo-Brazzaville's public finances, one more commission?
Audio 02:13
In Brazzaville, transparency in the management of public funds is still a sensitive subject.
© Getty Image / Contributor
By: Loïcia Martial
6 mins
To meet the demands of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), which asks the authorities to better manage the country's money, Congo-Brazzaville created a National Commission for transparency and accountability in financial management nine months ago. public (CNTR).
But Congolese civil society is questioning its real powers.
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From our correspondent in Brazzaville,
Ensuring the proper application of the Code of transparency and fiscal responsibility is one of the main tasks assigned to this commission, which has eleven members who have all been sworn in.
“
Public finances cannot be managed just any old way.
We manage them according to the standards.
These standards must be respected.
If they are not, we recall it and we rectify on the basis of a report which we address to the authorities, in particular to the President of the Republic and to the Prime Minister
”, explained Joseph Mana Fouafoua, its president.
► See also: Congo-Brazzaville: first outing of the Commission for transparency in financial management
Under the supervision of the Minister of Justice
The commission does not have the power of repression. Its inquiries are subject to the appreciation of the Minister of Justice who is responsible for it. “
We are an independent institution. But we don't have the power of coercion. You should know that among the authorities to whom our report is addressed, there is the Minister of Justice. It is up to him to make the decision whether or not to punish. It is up to him to do his job,
”argued Mr. Mana Fouafoua.
Member of the Congolese coalition "Publish what you pay", Brice Makosso wonders why this supervision falls to the Ministry of Justice, which does not manage public funds.
“
We do not understand why the government of the Republic has placed this commission under the supervision of the Ministry of Justice.
I fear that this commission will serve no purpose.
It is not the Ministry of Justice that manages Congolese taxation or even finances.
It was necessary to put it under the supervision of the Ministry of Finance, so that it works effectively
”, indignant Mr. Makosso.
What about the members of the committee
The National Commission for Transparency and Accountability in Public Financial Management does not have a female member.
Two of its members were nominated by civil society and two by the press.
The others were taken by the heads of the institutions, the National Assembly or the Senate.
Does this call into question its independence?
President Joseph Mana Fouafoua replies: “
Quite simply, it is a method of designation;
this does not mean that these members represent these authorities.
When you create an institution, you indicate how the men who are to lead it are chosen.
Regarding our work, they are not subject to the authority of these senior officials,
”he said.
Established nine months ago, the CNTR has barely started its activities due to a lack of funding.
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