Re-examining public administration management in the DRC Between institutional and administrative inertia and the marginalisation of civil servants

Abstract

The management of public administration is a key determinant of a state’s ability to design and effectively implement its public policies. In the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), however, several decades of administrative reforms have failed to provide a lasting solution to the challenges relating to institutional effectiveness, human resources management, the performance of public services and the recognition of civil servants. This article analyses the management of the Congolese public administration through the lens of two key issues: institutional inertia and the marginalisation of civil servants in the process of administrative modernisation. The study adopts a qualitative approach based on a review of the literature and an analysis of academic work on the reform of the Congolese public administration. It shows that the difficulties observed are not solely attributable to inadequate legislation or a lack of reforms. They also stem from a disconnect between institutional norms, administrative practices, career management mechanisms and contemporary demands for public sector performance. Recent literature highlights, in particular, the effects of clientelism, the politicisation of recruitment, nepotism, the weakness of meritocracy and difficulties in career management. The article argues that the reform of the Congolese public administration should move beyond a primarily institutional approach to adopt a managerial, people-centred and results-oriented approach. The revaluation of civil servants, the professionalisation of careers, transparency in recruitment, continuous training, digitalisation and performance appraisal thus emerge as key levers for transformation. Keywords: public administration; civil servant; institutional inertia; marginalisation; administrative reform; meritocracy; public performance; DRC.     Received Date: June 19, 2026 Accepted Date: July 10, 2026 Published Date: August 01, 2026 Available Online at: https://www.ijsrisjournal.com/index.php/ojsfiles/article/view/872