Kinshasa, July 14, 2026 (TOP243NEWS) – The National Assembly of the Democratic Republic of the Congo devoted its extraordinary plenary session on Tuesday to two major legislative reforms: the review of the 2027–2030 Military Programming Bill and the unanimous adoption of a bill revising the tax, customs, parafiscal, non-tax revenue and foreign exchange framework governing collaboration agreements.
The session was chaired by National Assembly Speaker Aimé Boji Sangara, assisted by First Vice-President Jean-Claude Tshilumbayi Musau and Rapporteur Jacques Djoli Eseng’Ekeli.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence and Veterans Affairs Guy Kabombo Muadiamvita, accompanied by Minister of State for Relations with Parliament Guy Loando Mboyo, presented the 2027–2030 Military Programming Bill.
According to the Defence Minister, the proposed legislation responds to the country’s deteriorating security environment and the evolving threats facing the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
The bill seeks to strengthen the operational capabilities of the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (FARDC) through investments in military infrastructure, training, intelligence, research, administration and the acquisition of modern equipment.
During the general debate, National Assembly member Adèle Bazizane introduced a procedural motion requesting that discussions be held behind closed doors, arguing that matters relating to national defence and state security are highly sensitive.
The plenary approved the request in accordance with the Assembly’s Rules of Procedure, and deliberations continued in a closed session.
As the Speaker temporarily left the chamber to attend to official state duties, First Vice-President Jean-Claude Tshilumbayi Musau assumed chairmanship of the proceedings.
The Assembly subsequently examined the report of the Economic, Financial and Budgetary Oversight Committee (ECOFIN) on the bill revising the tax, customs, parafiscal, non-tax revenue and foreign exchange regime applicable to collaboration agreements.
Presenting the committee’s findings, its chairman Guy Mafuta Kabongo said the reform is designed to align the Congolese legal framework with the evolving global market for critical minerals, of which the DRC holds significant strategic reserves.
The bill notably clarifies tax, customs and parafiscal offences and establishes a one-stop service to centralise revenues generated from collaboration agreements, with the aim of simplifying administrative procedures.
Following a detailed article-by-article review and the adoption of several amendments, all 363 lawmakers present voted unanimously in favour of the bill.
The legislation will now be transmitted to the Senate for a second reading in accordance with the country’s legislative process.
Mike Pakoto | TOP243NEWS