DRC: “Explosive debt that will put the future of the country at risk”, Augustin Matata Ponyo warns about financial management under the leadership of Félix Tshisekedi – Progrès243

Since Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo entered the presidency, the public debt of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has exceeded the symbolic threshold of 10 billion USD, causing great concern among political leaders. MP and former Prime Minister Augustin Matata Ponyo took advantage of the recent debate on the 2025 finance bill to warn of the growing risks this debt poses to the Congolese economy. . He also challenged Prime Minister Judith Suminwa, talking about the possible impact of this situation on the country’s development projects.

Before the National Assembly, Augustin Matata Ponyo emphasized the fundamental link between the level of debt and the prospects for economic development. According to him, the rapid increase in debt represents a great danger for future generations: “In six years, our debt has doubled, reaching almost 11 billion USD. We are in a worrying debt situation, which is harming the future of Congolese citizens. Madam Prime Minister, the national budget must take into account not only the current situation, but also the situation of future generations,” he said.

The former head of government also insisted that economic reforms must be strengthened to promote growth that is truly beneficial to the people. According to him, the growth rate of 5.7% proposed in the 2025 budget is not enough, because it is not based on sustainable economic transformations: “The DRC cannot be satisfied with small growth. Growth without the support of structural reforms remains superficial and does not improve the lives of the Congolese. »

In this context, Matata Ponyo emphasized the importance of strict audit in the management of public finances. “A budget, even if passed, remains a dead letter if it is not executed effectively. It is imperative that every budget allocation is followed up by monitoring and evaluating implementation,” he said.

According to data from the General Directorate of Public Debt (DGDP) for the second quarter of 2024, the total debt of the DRC amounts to $ 10.8 billion, with an external debt of $ 6.9 billion and a domestic debt of 3.7 billion USD . In this quarter, public debt service amounted to 213.84 million USD for domestic bonds, and 45.75 million USD for external payments.

With this complex financial situation, analysts and partners in the DRC are calling for more vigilance. A rapid accumulation of debt, if not reduced, could hinder the ability of the State to invest in programs that are necessary for the well-being of the population and the economic development of the country.

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