DRC: President Félix Tshisekedi’s decisions in the face of deliberate food price rises by rogue traders…

The exponential rise in the prices of essential goods in DRC, allegedly manipulated by unscrupulous economic operators, has drawn the ire of President Félix Tshisekedi.

During the 7th meeting of the Council of Ministers on Friday, July 26, 2024, the President emphasized the urgent need to revitalize the efforts of economic inspectors to tackle this growing issue.

President Tshisekedi directed the government to reinvigorate the economic inspection services to address the surge in the cost of essential goods.

These inspectors are tasked with identifying and prosecuting economic offenders who manipulate prices of staple foods, thereby undermining government initiatives aimed at improving the social welfare of the population.

“The President of the Republic has strongly urged the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Economy to revitalize the economic inspection service on the ground, specifically to identify and punish economic delinquents who engage in price manipulation of foodstuffs with the intention of discrediting the government and deliberately sabotaging all initiatives aimed at improving social conditions. It is imperative to protect the purchasing power of our citizens by ensuring easy access to basic products. Let us act with firmness and determination to restore confidence and ensure economic stability. The Congolese people demand tangible results,” stated the government spokesperson in the meeting’s summary, calling for diligence and vigilance in implementing these directives.

The spokesperson highlighted that the President underscored the need for the government to pay special attention to the current economic situation, particularly concerning the prices of essential goods, from major items to basic commodities like bread, whose prices have significantly increased.

The Suminwa government is striving to control inflation and stabilize the national currency to lower the cost of living.

This effort follows the previous government’s unsuccessful attempts to stabilize the exchange rate amidst the continuous depreciation of the national currency against the US dollar.

Gilbert Fotso