The Democratic Republic of Congo's government has announced it will take action against partners who fail to justify funds received for Ebola response efforts. Health Minister Roger Samuel Kamba made the announcement at a press conference on Friday, October 2, 2026. He stated that only about 25% of 97 partners on the ground have justified the financial resources mobilized for the country. This move follows an instruction from President Félix Tshisekedi to ensure transparency in the management of resources.
Minister Kamba emphasized that the president himself requested all partners to justify the money mobilized, and those who refuse to do so may face consequences. The government has decided to send letters to concerned partners, asking them to account for the funds received and their utilization. Failure to comply may result in the loss of accreditation and potential intervention from the Directorate General of Migration (DGM). The minister also mentioned that a first response plan, established over three months, reported around $227 million mobilized, with approximately $99 million remaining unused by partners.
According to Minister Kamba, the government's $50 million has been used transparently, with corresponding expenses available in a report submitted to the Prime Minister. However, he expressed concern about the lack of visibility on resources mobilized by partners, which affects the healthcare system and discussions with international financial institutions, such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The minister highlighted that when partners report mobilizing large sums, it can impact the country's eligibility for budgetary support.
The Congolese government has decided to condition access to the field on obtaining accreditation, which is now linked to filling out a form detailing received amounts, their origin, and intended activities. Minister Kamba warned that partners already on the ground must also complete the form, and those who fail to do so may have their accreditation withdrawn, allowing the DGM to intervene. This move aims to ensure the traceability of funds mobilized for Ebola response efforts and end opacity surrounding some resources.
The new measures are part of the government's efforts to strengthen control and transparency in the management of resources mobilized by partners in the Ebola response. Minister Kamba stressed that the state is determined to guarantee the transparency of funding and ensure that partners are accountable for the resources they receive. The government hopes that these measures will help to improve the efficiency of the Ebola response and build trust with international partners.
The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo has resulted in over 4,000 deaths, according to the National Institute of Public Health. The situation remains challenging, with concerns about the management of resources and the response efforts. The government's new measures aim to address some of these concerns and ensure that resources are used effectively to combat the outbreak.
The Congolese government's decision to take action against partners who fail to justify Ebola funds is a significant step towards ensuring transparency and accountability in the management of resources. The measures announced by Minister Kamba will likely have a significant impact on the Ebola response efforts and the country's relationships with international partners.
Key points
- The Democratic Republic of Congo's government will take action against partners who fail to justify funds received for Ebola response efforts.
- Only about 25% of 97 partners on the ground have justified the financial resources mobilized for the country.
- The government has decided to condition access to the field on obtaining accreditation, linked to filling out a form detailing received amounts, their origin, and intended activities.
