Sessanga Questions $13 Billion Defense Spending, Calls for Accountability

Kinshasa, March 23, 2026 - Opposition leader Delly Sessanga sharply criticized the Félix Tshisekedi government, claiming that over $13 billion allocated to national defense and security between 2019 and 2025 failed to improve conditions on the ground. Speaking at a press conference in Kinshasa, Sessanga highlighted that, despite significant budget increases-over 30% of national expenditures going to security and defense-and the declaration of a state of emergency in 2021, there has been “no visible strengthening of the defense apparatus” and “no lasting security for the population.” He questioned the use of these funds, asking: “Where have all these resources committed to defense, security, and the war gone? Who benefits from these war funds? If they haven’t strengthened operational capabilities or restored territorial integrity, this could very well be hiding a war business.” Sessanga accused the government of “instrumentalizing the war” to buy time and avoid accountability, warning that any delay in the CENI’s electoral roadmap could threaten the scheduled October 23, 2028 elections. He rejected proposals by some loyalists to extend President Tshisekedi’s mandate under the pretext of national security. “Having fought alongside the people in the streets against the electoral postponement between 2016 and 2018, Félix Tshisekedi and his supporters cannot now become the architects of another postponement under the guise of war,” he said. The opposition leader also criticized the stalled national dialogue, which was meant to serve as a platform for truth-telling about the country’s multifaceted crises and for consolidating national cohesion, noting that Angola had been mandated to facilitate consultations with Congolese political actors.

Faits rapportés

Kinshasa, March 23, 2026 - Opposition leader Delly Sessanga sharply criticized the Félix Tshisekedi government, claiming that over $13 billion allocated to national defense and security between 2019 and 2025 failed to improve conditions on the ground. Speaking at a press conference in Kinshasa, Sessanga highlighted that, despite significant budget increases-over 30% of national expenditures going to security and defense-and the declaration of a state of emergency in 2021, there has been “no visible strengthening of the defense apparatus” and “no lasting security for the population.” He questioned the use of these funds, asking: “Where have all these resources committed to defense, security, and the war gone? Who benefits from these war funds? If they haven’t strengthened operational capabilities or restored territorial integrity, this could very well be hiding a war business.” Sessanga accused the government of “instrumentalizing the war” to buy time and avoid accountability, warning that any delay in the CENI’s electoral roadmap could threaten the scheduled October 23, 2028 elections. He rejected proposals by some loyalists to extend President Tshisekedi’s mandate under the pretext of national security. “Having fought alongside the people in the streets against the electoral postponement between 2016 and 2018, Félix Tshisekedi and his supporters cannot now become the architects of another postponement under the guise of war,” he said. The opposition leader also criticized the stalled national dialogue, which was meant to serve as a platform for truth-telling about the country’s multifaceted crises and for consolidating national cohesion, noting that Angola had been mandated to facilitate consultations with Congolese political actors.