The report by the Inspection Générale des Finances (IGF) has brought to light illegal practices in the sale of forest concessions in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
In response to these revelations, the Observatory of Public Spending (ODEP) and the African Association for the Defense of Human Rights (ASADHO) urge President Félix Tshisekedi to take steps to prosecute all those involved, including former ministers.
The facts denounced by these civil society organizations are alarming. It is reported that 15 forest concessions, retroceded to the State, were allocated to other operators in a manner not in compliance with the forest code and the existing moratorium. Additionally, state dues amounting to 10,869,949 USD were not collected between 2014 and 2020. These acts, along with the non-compliance with the procedure for granting forest concessions through bidding, raise suspicions of corruption and fraud.
In a joint statement, ODEP and ASADHO highlight the laxity of political and judicial authorities which has led to impunity for those involved. They therefore call on the President to drive the justice system to follow up on the IGF’s control reports and prosecute former ministers compromised in forest management.
Similarly, these organizations recommend to the Attorney General near the Court of Cassation to initiate legal proceedings against all individuals mentioned in the IGF report on forest concessions, irrespective of their rank, political, regional, or family affiliation.
It is imperative that concrete actions be taken to combat corruption and ensure the proper management of natural resources in the DRC.
By franck zongwe lukama