IMF Warns Security Spending Is Derailing DRC Budget Targets

Kinshasa, February 4, 2026 - The International Monetary Fund (IMF) says security spending is the main cause of budget deviations in the Democratic Republic of Congo, following its second program review. The IMF reports that prolonged fighting in eastern DRC led to an increase in security expenditures of about 1.2% of GDP, forcing repeated adjustments to fiscal targets and reducing funds for social and investment programs. Two key targets were missed: limits on emergency spending and minimum levels of social spending. While the IMF approved a higher deficit ceiling due to security pressures, it warned that continued reliance on emergency procedures threatens fiscal discipline and remains the program’s primary vulnerability.