Mechanisms to prevent corruption and to promote good governance in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

This article reviews the alleged corrupt systems within different levels of government in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The analysis starts with the Mobutu’s regime, followed by Kabila senior, the transitional government period and the current elected government. Although the timing might not be right, an assessment should be made soon based on the information available. The consequence of corruption in the public sector of the DRC has brought about a difficult situation for any new government to improve service to its communities. Government has left public officials in disarray. The civil servants receive poor pay which encourages corrupt practices. A large number of civil servants are involved in this practice to reach the level of senior bureaucrats. The article suggests an urgent need for a robust mechanism to be put in place by the current government to prevent corruption. This could be achieved with the establishment of an anti-corruption commission within the government. The terms of reference should be for the commissioner to investigate every issue relating to corruption, making recommendations how this evil practice can be stamped out and prevented in future