Congo’s budget programme is likely to disappoint

Significance

At a reported 10 billion dollars, the proposal would represent a massive increase on 2019’s budget of approximately 6.3 billion dollars, and even on the government’s original proposal of 7 billion dollars. The increase was a response to criticism that the initial proposal was insufficient to deliver on the government’s ambitious policy pledges, but both may ultimately earn criticism for ignoring political realities.

Impacts

• A costly pledge to provide free basic education is arguably the most specific promise, and the most likely to backfire if underfunded.
• Rampant mismanagement of security spending will undermine promises to improve the military’s equipment, training and living conditions.
• Calls for the creation of a national reconciliation forum, without more specificity, look likely to produce just another 'talking shop'.