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| Member of Parliament Janet Kabila, photo by Primature |
The Chairperson for the parliamentary committee on defense and security, Ms Janet Kabila, has spoken out against the deplorable living conditions of Congo's military and police service.
Presenting a report on the state of the country's security forces, especially in relation to the conflict in the two Kivu Provinces and Ituri, Janet Kabila told parliament that the remuneration paid to soldiers and police was regrettable. She highlighted that an ordinary Congolese soldier earned a mere 171500fc (about 90usd) while a General went home with a monthly salary of 259167fc (around 136usd).
She then called on parliament's economic committee, which includes finance and budget, to ensure that the situation changes for the better.
Janet also wants to see members of the security forces enjoy other benefits such as free health care, family and rental allowance.
On top of the poor salaries, many Congolese security forces tend to go for months without receiving their pay check, this normally occurs as a result of top ranking officers diverting funds allocated for security personnel.
Earlier in the year soldiers fighting Islamists rebels in the east accused one of their Lieutenant, Colonel Edouard Ngoy, of misappropriating about USD100 000 meant for their bonus reward.
For years now the Congolese military has been trying to put an end to the activities of various local and foreign militia groups operating in the eastern parts of the country. However its efforts have often been hampered by the lack of
resources and support from the central government in Kinshasa.
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