In an effort to manage budgeting issues, the government of the Congo Republic announced on Wednesday that all state-financed travel for ministers and officials will be put on hold until the end of 2024. This decision was confirmed in a circular signed by Prime Minister Anatole Collinet Makosso. It does not however, include the president of the country H.E. Denis Sasso Nguesso.
Congo Brazaville has officially banned ministerial Travel Amid Budget Constraints. This decision was confirmed in a circular signed by Prime Minister Anatole Collinet Makosso on Wednesday Oct 16 2024.
The circular states that « missions abroad of members of the government… financed by the general state budget, are suspended » with the exception granted for the President’s missions. A government source clarified that the measure is intended to alleviate the state’s financial burdens, citing ongoing cash flow difficulties affecting various sectors of the economy.
The Congo Republic, an oil-producing nation with a population exceeding five million, faces economic troubles, with approximately half of its citizens living below the poverty line, according to the World Bank. Recent power cuts have added to the distress, attributed to damaged electricity pylons, prompting an investigation by the public prosecutor.
Additionally, the government has revised its 2024 budget downward to four billion euros, a notable decrease from six billion euros in 2020, indicating the seriousness of the economic situation
