DR Congo justice agents protest unpaid bonuses
Over 100 ministry staff blocked roads and burned tires in Kinshasa demanding their permanent bonuses.
Over 100 agents from the Ministry of Justice in Kinshasa protested on Tuesday, November 3, demanding payment of their permanent bonuses. The agents blocked roads and burned tires in front of the Ministry of Public Service, disrupting activities in the area. Police used tear gas to disperse the crowd.
The protesters stated their action began the previous day at the Ministry of Finance. They claim to have only received a portion of their bonuses, covering the first quarter, and are protesting an administrative blockage preventing the release of the remaining funds. One agent declared they were demanding their rights to bonuses that already exist within their budget.
The agents believe the non-payment of these bonuses further deteriorates their living conditions and contradicts the social policy promoted by the head of state. Officials from the Ministries of Finance and Public Service had not yet responded to requests for comment at the time of reporting.
Why it mattersJustice ministry agents in Kinshasa are protesting because they have not received their full bonus payments, impacting their living conditions.