Discussions that have resumed between the Congolese government and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) will result in the payment of a loan of 44.7 million dollars, or nearly 27 billion CFA. The payment will therefore remove the blockages at the counters of the World Bank and the African Development Bank (ADB).
The Minister of the Economy, Industry and the Public Portfolio, Gilbert Ondongo, who spoke to members of the Economic, Social and Environmental Council (CESE) on August 5, was reassuring about the outcome. discussions with the IMF and the implementation of the macroeconomic reforms contained in the agreement concluded in July 2019.
“The outcome of the discussions with the IMF is favorable to the disbursement of the second tranche of financing and perhaps the lifting of the others. hanging files. In fact, the ADB has conditioned the granting of its support to the resumption of these negotiations with the IMF, as has the World Bank, which has suspended major emergency aid, “said Gilbert Ondongo.
Among the demands of IMF partners is the issue of restructuring Congo’s public debt, which, according to the minister, has evolved thanks to the agreement reached with China and continued discussions with traders.
During its last assessment mission at the end of February in Brazzaville, the Bretton Woods institution suggested that the Congolese government should pursue reforms in terms of public finance consolidation, improvement of social spending and governance as well as fight against corruption.
It is in this context that on July 27, the members of the High Authority for the Fight against Corruption, Embezzlement and Similar Offenses were sworn in before the Brazzaville Court of Appeal.
Led by an independent authority, Emmanuel Olita Ondongo, the members of this institution have the mission of leading the fight against corruption in Congo, of contributing to the strengthening of good governance in the public and private sectors; to send the minutes of their hearing to the judicial authorities; and ensure the implementation of reforms in this area initiated by the government.
