Mobutu’s ghost still haunting Congolese refugees in Zambia

Mobutu’s ghost still haunting Congolese refugees in Zambia
By Mwala Kalaluka in Kawambwa
Mon 09 Nov. 2009, 04:00 CAT

A spokesperson for the Congolese refugees at Kala Camp on Friday told DRC government officials that they are aware that nepotism and corruption that existed during Mobutu Sese Seko's regime is still prevailing in the country.

During a visit by a government delegation headed by the permanent secretary in the DRC’s Ministry of Security and Interior, Xavier Kiriza and Katanga deputy governor Yav Tshibal, Kala Camp refugee spokesperson Michel Maloba recalled that during the Mobutu regime, one had to bribe government officials with a goat before getting a job.

"With us (refugees) when you are from here (Zambia), you are going to start a completely new life," Maloba said. "Most of us lived in the days of Mobutu and when somebody went to see an official for employment, he is even carrying a goat to get that job. Out of 100 per cent of those who have returned, I can tell you that it is only 0.05 per cent who are employed. I know that there are bad elements who want to spoil the name of the President and the Governor. So let us not talk about relationships."

Maloba said the refugees had benefited from a lot of income-generating initiatives in Zambia, adding that it would be a good thing if these programmes were replicated in the DRC.

"I know you will say that there are income-generating activities in Congo but we also know how they are operating," he said.

Maloba said all they knew was that there was no war but peace in the DRC.

In response to Maloba's concerns on corruption in the DRC, Tshibal said he had noted that the information had filtered to Zambia from that country through mobile phones.

Tshibal said the zero-tolerance to corruption that the Joseph Kabila-led administration had triggered was being implemented in an emphatic manner.

"You are saying that you grew up during a certain regime but during that (Mobutu) regime it was not only a goat that you had to pull to get a job but a cow and two goats. If you have to carry a goat now then it means we are improving,” Tshibal said amidst laughter. "Now, some leaders have been demoted or arrested because of these bad vices."

Tshibal said the problem of corruption in the DRC, which he described as a four-year-disease, could not be wiped out in one day.

"Go back home and help us fight corruption," urged Tshibal.

And Kiriza said the people of DRC would in 2011 again re-elect those leaders who were doing better and push out those who were non-performers.

"Those who have done better we are going to know them also. That is where we are going to say those that have done better continue," Kiriza said. "Are you going to miss the next election of 2011? That one should not also miss you. I do not think you would like to miss that opportunity.”

Kiriza urged the Congolese refugees not only to return to Congo and reconstruct the country but also to go and elect a leadership that would take the nation forward.

"My question is ‘how will you feel that other people are the ones who have reconstructed your country when you are out?" asked Kiriza. "I know that hospitality has got a limit. There will be a time when the people of Zambia will get tired and they will not have anything to offer to you."

The DRC government officials assured the refugees that there was no war in the country as there was no way the UNHCR could send people to a place which was devoid of peace.