President Felix Tshisekedi has called for the creation of a “reliable, sustainable and transparent” mechanism to ensure regular funding for Congolese diplomats and the country’s missions abroad.

The directive was issued at the 83rd Cabinet meeting held on March 20, 2026, at the African Union City in Kinshasa. According to the official minutes, the president highlighted the strategic role of diplomats in defending national interests, promoting the country’s image, advancing international cooperation, attracting investment and protecting Congolese citizens abroad.

To advance the plan, Tshisekedi tasked the deputy prime ministers in charge of the budget and civil service, along with the ministers of foreign affairs, finance, and infrastructure, with accelerating a comprehensive assessment of the operating costs of all diplomatic missions and staff abroad. The review will cover salaries, rent, operating expenses and outstanding obligations to suppliers.

Based on this assessment, the ministers must propose a structured and secure mechanism, potentially involving commercial banks. The aim is to ensure the direct and regular payment of salaries for diplomatic and administrative staff, as well as rent for embassy offices and residences, operating costs, and payments to suppliers and service providers.

Persistent financial pressures

The mechanism is expected to ensure predictable payments, traceable financial flows and compliance with public finance rules. Tshisekedi said the initiative also seeks to restore the dignity of Congolese representations abroad and strengthen the country’s international image.

The directive comes as several Congolese diplomatic missions continue to face financial difficulties. According to AfricaNews, as of Feb. 17, 2026, salary arrears for December 2025 and January and February 2026 remained unpaid, while several rent payments were still frozen. The outlet also reported blockages in payment channels despite some administrative approvals, as well as checks linked to irregularities in certain lease contracts.

AfricaNews also reported that a technical arrangement introduced in 2024 by the ministries of budget, finance and foreign affairs to cover rental payments has faced resistance from landlords, partly due to payment terms and related tax implications.

Against this backdrop, Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister Noella Ayeganagato proposed a working session to clarify procedures and required documentation for processing payments, including invoices and bank details.

With the new directive, the government aims to move away from ad hoc and often chaotic management toward a more stable, transparent and secure system. Beyond administration, the issue affects the country’s international credibility and its ability to maintain the normal functioning of its diplomatic network.

Boaz Kabeya