DR Congo: Kikwit labor inspector announces “imminent resumption of general inspection visits” to companies in his jurisdiction

By Badylon Kawanda Bakiman

Maurice Kimbeni Mayala, Labor Inspector for Kikwit, an economic-political city in Kwilu province in the south-west of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), is taking a stand. He announces the imminent resumption of inspection visits to all companies in this city of over a million inhabitants. He points out that these inspections are general and will start next week, barring any unforeseen circumstances.

Kimbeni spoke to the press on April 30, 2025 in his office in the commune of Lukolela. The announcement was made at the end of a major meeting lasting almost three hours with several of the town’s authorities, including the public prosecutor at the tribunal de paix, the delegate from the Fédération des entreprises du Congo (FEC), the head of the Direction générale des recettes administratives et domaniales (DGERAD), the Commandant of the Kikwit district police, the head of the Service de l’Emploi et prévoyance sociale and a large number of distinguished guests. The presence of these authorities was of particular significance in achieving the expected results in terms of employment in the DRC, as advocated by the government and the President of the Republic.

“Today’s meeting gave all these authorities important information. The information is that the labor inspectorate in Kikwit was only arbitrating conflicts for more than 10 months when a case was referred to it. During these 10 months and more, activities relating to inspection visits to companies were suspended by the national minister in charge for reasons that remain unclear. A few months ago, inspectors from Kinshasa visited a number of establishments and companies. Now, the national minister has issued instructions calling for the resumption of inspection visits to companies”, he declared.

The labor inspector clarified that in Kikwit these inspection visits are “general”, insisting that no company will be spared.

“Starting next week, these inspections will begin again. The President of the Republic has insisted that the world of work be effectively monitored and controlled. Given that the suspension measure has been lifted by the Minister in charge, it was important to inform these authorities that we will soon be restarting field activities, and that these authorities must lend their support. The visits are general, i.e. they will not only concern companies set up by expatriates, but also those created and managed by nationals, whatever their type or size, and which employ one or more workers. Offending companies will be fined in accordance with the law”, he said.

For his part, Fifa Mikaba, President of FEC Grand Bandundu, welcomed the information and instructions. He went out of his way to invite all employers to prepare themselves and to be in order on all fronts in order to welcome the labor inspectors.

“This is perfectly normal. Companies are expected to be ready every day so as not to be surprised. It’s possible to be unprepared, but company bosses need to know how to cooperate with the labor inspectorate,” he said.

“Labor inspection plays an essential role in protecting workers’ rights and promoting a healthy working environment”, acknowledges Legavox, a human rights organization based in Paris, France, on its website.