30 January 2009
Mwanso Walimbwa works as farmer in a remote part of the Democratic Republic of Congo. His job working the land is as far away from an office job as can be imagined, but like countless office employees in faraway cities, Mwanso wears a pass. The purpose of his pass, though, is to ward off corrupt officials.
In rural areas of DRC, where few people can read or write, civil servants, police and the military often take advantage of their authority. A favourite ploy involves illegally taxing farmers of their hard-gotten earnings. If they can get away with it, that is...
Defending rights, building democracy
Mwanso and his neighbours have been taught how to tackle corruption by a DFID-funded scheme run by the Union Paysanne pour le Progrès (UPKA), a farmers' movement supported by Christian Aid.
Mwanso, who is head of his local farmers' group, says that his and and his neighbours' passes are visible proof that they have been 'educated'. "Since we've been taught about illegal taxation, if one of the civil servants asks for money, we say 'no papa – we know all about what is legal and not legal' and he runs away. UPKA taught us how to do that."
Members of the farmers' movement in Maneima Province now know the correct tax rates and make sure to demand a receipt each time they pay their taxes, so they won’t be billed again. Through the scheme, some have even had paralegal training to defend their claims in the face of abuses, while tax collectors themselves have attended sessions on working within the law.
However, corrupt officers are still attempting to deceive local people. "It makes me angry to know they're still taking from others," says Mwanzo, who is eager to spread his knowledge to everyone living in the area. He wants others to stand up to corruption - and to enjoy the benefits that he has seen in his own life.
"Because we know we can save up, now we can start planning for our futures," he says. "Since I joined the movement, I've bought furniture - chairs and tables - for my home. I also bought a mattress for my whole family to sleep on. I hope this will continue - I hope we can work in peace." The money saved has also allowed members of the group to pay for education and healthcare for their families.
And there has been another benefit too: communities are gaining the skills and confidence to have their say in public life. In this country that has been afflicted by misrule and bloody conflict, this counts as a vital step in the journey towards democracy.
Facts and stats
- UPKA has set up farmers' associations in more than 75 villages across Maniema Province.
- Alongside anti-corruption training, UPKA runs sessions in land and resource management, tackling HIV and preventing violent conflict.
- The UPKA anti-corruption project is funded through DFID’s Programme Partnership Arrangement (PPA) with Christian Aid. The UPKA project began in December 2007 and will run for three years.
- DFID’s Programme Partnership Arrangement with Christian Aid for 2008-2011 is worth £17.4 million.