DRC: Relatives of Gentiny Ngobila on the run after the announcement of an audit?
In Kinshasa, the announcement of an audit of municipal management sowed agitation among members of the administration of the outgoing governor, Gentiny Ngobila. Suspicious departures and allegations of financial embezzlement raise questions about the integrity of past management.
May 13, 2024 at 8:23 p.m.
The announcement of an audit concerning the management of Kinshasa sparked a series of reactions within the administration of the outgoing governor, Gentiny Ngobila, with notable departures among senior officials.
Among these, Félicien Kuluta, Minister of Finance, is said to have left the country for Canada. According to unofficial sources, Kuluta acquired a residence there, where he settled with his family.
This release coincides with the early phases of the audit, suggesting a possible connection, although direct proof remains unestablished.
Similarly, Flavien Nkui Misuru, former Minister of Energy, is reported to have left Kinshasa at the end of April.
He is mentioned in some rumors as having received support from Ngobila to leave.
Misuru faces allegations over financial irregularities linked to street lighting projects and the management of the Maluku quarantine station, but these accusations remain to be proven.
Laetitia Bena Kabamba, Minister of the Environment of Belgian nationality, is also reportedly preparing her departure.
The security services and the General Directorate of Migration were alerted, although the details remain vague.
These developments come as the Kinshasa Provincial Assembly calls for an exhaustive audit of finances and public contracts over the past five years.
Pressure is mounting for increased transparency, especially after an unsuccessful attempt on April 24 to take stock of the capital's finances.
The need for a detailed audit is heightened by concerns over contracts awarded during the final days of the outgoing government, seen by some as an attempt to undermine the city's finances. These accusations, however, have yet to be confirmed by concrete evidence.
Despite these uncertainties, development initiatives continue.
On May 7, Ngobila inaugurated rehabilitation works on 10 km of roads in the commune of Gombe, a project supervised by the company Safrimex.
The ongoing audit and investigations should clarify the picture of Kinshasa's financial situation, offering a chance to restore order and establish accountability in the management of the city. Next steps could reveal the scale of the challenges the new government will face to restore confidence and stability