The government announced on Wednesday that ministers and officials in Congo-Brazzaville will not be allowed to travel on state funds until the end of the year.
Prime Minister Anatole Collinet Makosso signed a circular stating that missions abroad financed by the state budget are suspended until the end of 2024, except missions involving the republic’s president. The circular also encourages officials to participate in video conferences without providing further details on the travel suspension.
According to a government source, the measure aims to reduce state costs due to major cash flow tensions and economic challenges.
Congo-Brazzaville, an oil-producing country with over five million residents, has approximately half its population living below the poverty line, as the World Bank estimates.
In the capital city of Brazzaville, refuse collectors have been on strike for a month due to a lack of wages, resulting in rubbish accumulation in the streets.
Furthermore, the city has experienced power cuts for the past month, which are attributed to damaged electricity pylons. The public prosecutor has initiated an investigation to determine the responsible party.
Congo-Brazzaville revised its budget downwards to four billion euros in 2024, down from six billion euros in 2020.