Congolese Health Minister Eteni Longondo has been asked to explained how his department spent almost USD4 million released by the central government, as part of the emergency funds to fight the coronavirus pandemic.
The request was made by the Minister of Finance Sele Yalaghuli , after his colleague failed to submit documents providing details of how he used the money allocated to him, to deal with the pandemic. According to the Finance Minister, part of the requirements when emergency funds are disbursed is for the receiving department to account for such funds by providing details on how it was used.
For months allegations of corruption and mismanagement have been directed at Health Minister Eteni Longondo. He has been accused of colluding with other senior government officials and establishing structures in which they can personally benefit from the pandemic funds.
Earlier on, Longondo's own deputy, Albert Mpeti, had publicly denounce the minister's actions of signing off disbursements of large sum of money without his input or involvement.
The country's coronavirus recovery team, led by doctor Jeans- Jacques Muyembe, have also previously complained about lack of funding, with health workers going on for months without receiving their pay check. This despite funds having been allocated.
But it seems the government is ready to get to the bottom of the matter. Under the instruction of President Felix Tshisekedi, the Inspector General for Finance has launched a full investigation into the handling of the coronavirus funds. According to the Inspector General Jules Alingete, his initial report has already found evidence of gross mismanagement, and some files have been handed over to the prosecuting authorities.
In June 2020 , the Congolese government had made available USD27 million, through different entities and departments, to fight the coronavirus pandemic.
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