Interview

W. BESSA MOKONZI: "Congolese Diaspora aware for supporting DRC’s reconstruction"

The forum of Congolese Diaspora held in Kinshasa was closed on last August 5, 2008. After discussing for 7 days, several resolutions were adopted but also the election of a head of the Congolese Diaspora Coordination. Mr. Willy Mokonzi Bessa is the new chairman of this institution. Regular lawyer, Willy M. shares his vision as head of the coordination,
Interview…

Interview…

DCI: You've been elected chairman of the coordination during the forum held in Kinshasa. What will be your strategy for mobilizing other countrymen in the implementation of the five work sites?

Willy BESSA : Our coordination is really young; we’ve just made a press conference to present our members. Currently, we are working with members of the committee to set a program. But our key priorities for the next few days is primarily to mobilize as much possible Congolese throughout the world to participate actively for the DRC’s reconstruction, we also expect investing and exploring different possibilities with regard to the repatriation of Congolese capital in the world to the DRC.

DCI: One of the major decisions taken during these meetings is to establish a fund for DRC’s reconstruction.  How do you think channeling this money?

WB: The creation of this fund proves that the Congolese Diaspora is keen to participate in rebuilding their country. We hope that this fund can serve to power small and medium enterprises in the DRC. We also want to create in the future, a bank of Congolese Diaspora so that we can achieve an important rate of bank within our community.

DCI: How did you like the political and business climate in the country?

WB: Every time I return to the country I am very pleased that the political and business climate is considerably improving and that, contrary to what is being said in Europe. Now, things are going so fast that by 5 or 10 years people will no longer recognize the city. In my humble opinion, we should not miss the start.
Therefore I take this opportunity to appeal to our countrymen who are still in Europe to take an active part in rebuilding the country, because the DRC is a country of the future.

DCI: Congolese Diaspora is experiencing many difficulties especially in relation to their residence; identity papers and others raised the problem of dual nationality. How do you overcome all these difficulties?

WB: What happens for example in Britain is regrettable, because 4,000 Congolese may be expelled out. It’s the same everywhere in Europe where our brothers have problems of administrative nature. This issue can be resolved by our government that has met with British authorities so that the procedure can be done in a bilateral basis between the two governments. This issue is being considered at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to find a positive outcome.
Regarding the problem of dual nationality, I think there is a moratorium at the National Assembly. In my opinion, this issue will be raised up. In fact, Congolese who are in this situation will feel ostracized as the issue is not settled. But now we want a peaceful debate to find an outcome acceptable to all. In short, it is a legal problem that can be solved by the legislator.

DCI: Many Congolese are so doubtful regard to the materialization of the five work sites. What message can you send them?

WB: I do not think they are septic; there is a problem of communication so that many have not so much information about what's happening in this country. We ask the government for more information to the Congolese Diaspora. It is a way to divert them from unpatriotic media and websites.

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