DRC’s auditor general exposes governance failures under President Tshisekedi

The Democratic Republic of the Congo’s top financial watchdog has delivered a scathing assessment of governance under President Félix Tshisekedi, highlighting systemic weaknesses that threaten the country’s economic stability. The Cour des comptes, the nation’s highest auditing body, recently published a damning report that scrutinizes the management of public funds and institutional performance during Tshisekedi’s tenure.

The findings underscore repeated failures in financial oversight, with the auditor general pointing to irregularities in key state-owned enterprises and public contracts. Among the most glaring examples cited is the Société des Mines de Kilo-Moto (Sokimo), a historic gold producer whose operations have come under intense scrutiny for alleged mismanagement and lack of transparency.

key concerns raised by the audit

• Financial opacity: The report reveals persistent gaps in financial reporting, making it difficult to track how public funds are allocated and spent.
• Weak enforcement: Despite clear legal frameworks, oversight bodies have struggled to hold officials accountable for financial misconduct.
• Resource mismanagement: Critical sectors, including mining, face inefficiencies that undermine their potential to drive economic growth.

government response and public reaction

President Tshisekedi’s administration has yet to issue an official response to the audit’s conclusions. However, opposition figures and civil society groups have seized on the report to demand greater accountability. Critics argue that the findings reflect a broader pattern of governance failures that have hobbled the country’s development for years.

The Cour des comptes has called for urgent reforms, including stricter financial controls and independent audits of state-owned enterprises. Analysts warn that without decisive action, the consequences could extend beyond economic instability to erode public trust in institutions.

The audit comes at a pivotal moment for the DRC, as the government grapples with pressing challenges such as inflation, unemployment, and the need to diversify its economy. The findings add pressure on Tshisekedi to demonstrate tangible improvements in governance ahead of upcoming elections.