DRC lawmaker proposes reforms to limit multiple public offices and improve governance

Kinshasa March 29, 2026 - A member of the National Assembly from Lukunga, Dunia Mangu Mangu, has introduced a series of proposed amendments aimed at improving governance in state-owned enterprises in the Democratic Republic of Congo by restricting the accumulation of public offices. The proposals were presented during parliamentary debates on March 27 on a draft law revising the legal framework governing the organization and management of public enterprises, initiated by MP Jean-Pierre Pasi Zapamba. At the center of the amendments is a push to prohibit individuals from simultaneously holding positions in state-owned companies and political offices, or engaging in competing commercial activities linked to those enterprises. The lawmaker argued that such overlaps create inefficiencies, conflicts of interest, and public frustration, particularly among unemployed youth. He also proposed stricter rules preventing individuals from holding multiple senior positions across different public institutions, citing examples such as incompatibility between ministerial roles and leadership positions in entities like the Civil Aviation Authority (RVA) or the National Insurance Company. Dunia Mangu Mangu praised the original legislative initiative, saying it responds to public demands for greater transparency and fairness in the management of state institutions. However, he also suggested expanding recruitment criteria for public officials beyond competitive examinations to include political considerations and national representation, arguing that this could strengthen cohesion and reduce political tensions. He maintained that aligning appointments with both merit and political balance would help reinforce unity within state institutions. The proposals have sparked debate in parliament, highlighting ongoing tensions in the DRC over governance standards, merit-based appointments, political inclusion, and transparency in the management of public enterprises.