DRC audit raises fresh concerns over Tshisekedi’s governance

New audit report highlights governance gaps under Tshisekedi

Kinshasa’s Court of Auditors has once again cast a critical eye over the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s financial management, this time under the presidency of Félix Tshisekedi. The latest findings reveal persistent irregularities in state-owned enterprises and public funds allocation.

Key findings spark renewed scrutiny

The audit, which covers financial oversight from 2021 to 2024, exposes systemic weaknesses in how government funds are tracked and spent. Among the most alarming revelations are:

• Unverified expenditures exceeding $120 million in state-backed mining projects
• Lack of transparency in procurement processes for major infrastructure contracts
• Undocumented loans to public entities with no clear repayment plans
• Misuse of allocated budgets in critical sectors like healthcare and education

The report specifically targets the Société des Mines de Kilo-Moto (Sokimo), a long-standing state mining operator, flagging serious compliance failures in its financial reporting and operational governance.

Government responds with promises of reform

In reaction to the audit’s conclusions, presidential aides have outlined a three-phase corrective plan aimed at tightening fiscal controls. The proposed measures include:

• Mandatory third-party audits for all state-owned enterprises by 2027
• Real-time digital tracking of public expenditure through a new financial monitoring platform
• Stricter penalties for officials found guilty of financial misconduct

While opposition figures have welcomed the transparency push, skeptics question whether these reforms will translate into tangible improvements. Critics point to past unfulfilled pledges following similar audit reports in 2019 and 2022.

What’s next for DRC’s financial oversight?

Civil society groups are calling for an independent commission to oversee the implementation of the new measures. Meanwhile, the Court of Auditors has vowed to release quarterly progress reports, signaling a potential shift toward more rigorous accountability.

The findings come at a pivotal moment for the DRC, as the government seeks to attract foreign investment while addressing long-standing corruption concerns. Investors are closely monitoring these developments, with many citing governance transparency as a key factor in their decision-making.