DRC faces rising military costs, tax shortfall in revised 'combat budget'
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is grappling with soaring military costs and declining tax revenues due to an offensive by Rwandan-backed rebels, who now occupy much of the country's eastern borderlands, a revised wartime budget under consideration by lawmakers showed.
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) said this month that the fighting was straining public finances, citing the closure of revenue collection offices in areas controlled by the M23 rebels and elevated security spending linked to the conflict.
Initially expected in mid-March, President Felix Tshisekedi's cabinet approved the budget bill on Friday. It now goes to parliament for debate and voting.
It includes slightly decreased spending of $17.2bn (R307.84bn), according to the minutes of the cabinet meeting, and reflects a drop in tax revenue to 12.5% of GDP from 15.1% expected under the original budget approved in December.
The finance ministry announced in March it was doubling salaries for soldiers and police in an apparent bid to boost morale. That move is expected to cost $500m (R8.95bn) this year, a military official and a government source told Reuters.
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eNCA
2 hours ago
- eNCA
27 killed as Israeli army opens fire near Gaza aid point
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The South African
12 hours ago
- The South African
Kaizer Chiefs hijack transfer in dramatic u-turn from Sundowns
Kaizer Chiefs are on the brink of pulling off a sensational coup in the transfer market, overtaking Mamelodi Sundowns in the race to sign highly-rated Tanzanian midfielder Feisal Salum, despite the latter offering a more lucrative package. In a twist few saw coming, Chiefs have emerged as the likely destination for the Azam FC star, with a source close to the deal suggesting Salum is now favouring a move to Naturena. While Sundowns may have flexed their financial muscle, it appears the Glamour Boys' personal touch has made all the difference. Chiefs and Sundowns have both shown strong interest in Salum. But the momentum has shifted thanks to a strategic visit to Tanzania by Kaizer Chiefs officials. A move that reportedly swayed the player's decision. 'The visit to Tanzania by Kaizer Chiefs' officials has changed most of the things concerning Feisal Salum's move to South Africa,' a source revealed. 'At the moment it's believed that the involved parties concerning the player's personal welfare and needs have been agreed upon. Apparently, the presence of coach Nabi in Tanzania helped that a lot. It's as good as done as far as the player agreeing to join Chiefs is concerned.' In a clever move to sweeten the deal. Chiefs plan to include their goalkeeper Fiacre Ntwari in the transfer deal. Azam FC reportedly admire the Rwandan shot-stopper, which makes the offer significantly more appealing to the Tanzanian club. This strategic inclusion signals just how serious Chiefs are about landing Salum. And how far they're willing to go to outmanoeuvre Sundowns. While money often talks in high-stakes transfer battles, this case highlights the importance of club culture, vision, and relationships. Salum is believed to be impressed by what Kaizer Chiefs are building and feels aligned with their football philosophy. Will Salum be the main man Kaizer Chiefs were looking for? Let us know by leaving a comment below or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
Eyewitness News
14 hours ago
- Eyewitness News
UN says 'deadly attacks' around Gaza aid sites 'a war crime'
GENEVA - United Nations (UN) human rights chief Volker Turk said on Tuesday that "deadly attacks" on civilians around aid distribution sites in the Gaza Strip constituted "a war crime". Rescuers in the Palestinian territory said Israeli fire targeting civilians near an aid distribution centre in the southern city of Rafah killed 27 people on Tuesday, raising an earlier toll. It came after a similar incident on Sunday when rescuers said 31 people were killed at the same location, witnesses saying they had been on their way to collect aid. "Deadly attacks on distraught civilians trying to access the paltry amounts of food aid in Gaza are unconscionable," Turk said in a statement. "For a third day running, people were killed around an aid distribution site run by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation. This morning, we have received information that dozens more people were killed and injured." The US-backed GHF is a recently formed group that Israel has cooperated with to implement a new aid distribution mechanism in Gaza. The United Nations does not work with the foundation because of concerns that it does not meet core humanitarian principles of neutrality, impartiality and independence. Turk called for a prompt and impartial investigation into each attack, and for those responsible to be held to account. "Attacks directed against civilians constitute a grave breach of international law, and a war crime," he said. "Palestinians have been presented the grimmest of choices: die from starvation or risk being killed while trying to access the meagre food that is being made available through Israel's militarised humanitarian assistance mechanism. "This militarised system endangers lives and violates international standards on aid distribution, as the United Nations has repeatedly warned."
