DRC’s Fight Against Corruption: A Mixed Bag
Kinshasa, DRC - The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has taken steps to combat corruption, but its efforts have been hindered by a lack of resources and independence, according to a report released on Monday.
Implementation of the United Nations Convention Against Corruption
The report assesses the implementation of the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC) in the DRC. The UNCAC is an international treaty aimed at preventing corruption and promoting transparency and accountability. According to the report, the DRC has partially implemented 14 out of 17 articles of the UNCAC, with a significant gap between the law and practice.
Challenges Faced by Anti-Corruption Bodies
The report highlights the challenges faced by anti-corruption bodies in the DRC, such as the Agency for the Prevention and Fight Against Corruption (APLC). The APLC lacks resources and independence, which hinders its ability to investigate and deal with corruption cases effectively.
Need for Better Coordination and Prevention
The report also emphasizes the need for better coordination between anti-corruption agencies and a stronger focus on prevention. “While some progress has been made in establishing anti-corruption bodies, more needs to be done to prevent corruption from happening in the first place,” said an official from the Organization of Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).
Widespread Corruption in the DRC
The report notes that corruption is widespread in the DRC, with many government officials and politicians involved in corrupt activities. “Corruption is a major obstacle to development and economic growth in the DRC, and it needs to be addressed urgently,” said another official.
Government Response
In response to the report, the DRC government has pledged to strengthen its anti-corruption efforts and improve coordination between agencies. “We are committed to fighting corruption and promoting transparency and accountability in our country,” said a government spokesperson.
Joint Efforts by OECD and UNODC
The report was released by the OECD and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) as part of their joint efforts to support the DRC in its fight against corruption.
Tables: Implementation and Enforcement Summary
| Article | Status of Implementation in Law | Status of Implementation and Enforcement in Practice |
|---|---|---|
| Art. 5 | Partially Implemented | Moderate |
| Art. 6 | Fully Implemented | Moderate |
| Art. 7.1 | Partially Implemented | Poor |
| … | … | … |
Tables: Performance of Selected Key Institutions
| Institution | Performance in Relation to Responsibilities Covered by the Report |
|---|---|
| Agency for the Prevention and Fight Against Corruption (APLC) | Moderate |
| National Financial Intelligence Unit (CENAREF) | Moderate |
| National Office for Professional Ethics (BUNEP) | Low |
| Observatory for the Surveillance of Corruption and Professional Ethics (OSCEP) | Moderate |
| Court of Auditors | Low |
| Directorate-General for Public Procurement | Moderate |
| Public Procurement Regulatory Authority | Moderate |
| General Inspectorate of Finance | High |
Note: The report is based on a review of laws, regulations, and practices in the DRC, as well as interviews with government officials and civil society organizations.