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Members of Parliament (MPs) in the DRC have committed to pushing for legislative tax policies and equitable tax frameworks to benefit the Congolese people.
During a two-day capacity-building training session held in Kinshasa, DRC, from the 10th to the 11th of August 2023, representatives from civil society organisations, faith-based organisations, and the MPs from the DRC agreed that they must work together to amplify voices to push for tax negotiations and reforms.
In his opening remarks, Abbé Georges KALENGA, Secrétaire Général Adjoint de la CENCO, noted that the training was just a starting point for all the partners to deliberate on important tax issues and chat way forward towards the future of the DRC.
"It is gratifying to see individuals and organisations mobilising to tackle illicit financial flows and tax justice in the continent. This is why the General Secretariat of CENCO compliments the BLP and all partners for initiating this formative meeting of importance to the future of the DRC." He added.
Hon. MGassiyombo Galvins, a member of the APNIFFT Steering Committee, delivering the solidarity message, asserted, "We possess the capacity to shape the future of our continent through the strategic implementation of appropriate policies and taxation."
Hon. Galvins emphasised the pivotal role of policymakers and taxation frameworks in moulding Africa's path forward. This declaration summarised the united commitment of APNIFFT to curb illicit financial flows (IFFs) and advance equitable taxation, echoing the network's collective determination to drive transformative change across the region.
Held in a spirit of collaboration and shared purpose, the training provided a platform for knowledge exchange, capacity-building, networking, and fostering a shared responsibility towards curbing IFFs.
The two-day training achieved the following outcomes:
- Deepened the knowledge of MPs, enhancing their understanding of illicit financial flows, fair taxation, and relevant legislative frameworks. This empowered them to drive effective policy interventions in their respective countries.
- The MPs' capacities strengthened by acquiring practical skills and tools for oversight, monitoring, and advocacy. Enabling them to effectively enhance their roles as tax justice champions to curb illicit financial flows.
- The training facilitated networking and collaboration among parliamentarians, experts, and stakeholders. This has fostered collaboration, facilitated information exchange, and established partnerships to combat illicit financial flows at regional and continental levels.
- Participants developed actionable plans, individually or collectively, to address illicit financial flows and promote fair taxation. This ensures the practical application of the knowledge they have gained during the training.
During the session's closing, Mr Rodgers Kidiya, APNIFFT coordinator, underscored the importance of translating the acquired knowledge into practical, impactful measures, reflecting the commitment of APNIFFT to effect tangible change in DRC and across the continent.
“An earnest call is extended to the Members of Parliament to craft actionable personal and collective strategies aimed at tackling the challenge of illicit financial flows while fostering just taxation within the DRC," added Mr Kidiya.
African Parliamentary Network on Illicit Financial Flows and Taxation (APNIFFT), Tax Justice Network Africa (TJNA), Initiative Locale pour le Développement Intégré (ILDI – ONGD/Asbl), and Conférence Episcopale Nationale du Congo (CENCO) conducted the training.
For more details on the training and our participation, please contact ebirech@taxjusticeafrica.net