The relationship between central government and the provinces in the DRC

The Congolese constitution of 2006 instituted political decentralization as the new form of the Congolese state, characterized by the separation of power which does not, however, exclude dialogue and consultation between the two levels of government. Unfortunately, the concentration of power as a way of managing the previous regime will lead decision-makers in power to leave themselves open to unconstitutionality.Furthermore, the constitutional revision of January 20, 2011 represents a headlong rush away from the spirit of decentralization and the subsequent destruction of the relationship between central power and the provinces. The unconstitutional practice of centralizing the governance of the State has multiplied, highlighting the political challenge of applying the February 18, 2006 constitution.The trend was confirmed by the adoption of the law on provincial self-government and, above all, the constitutional revision of January 20, 2011. In particular, this legalized and constitutionalized direct political control by central government over the provinces.