Interview with Martin Ziguélé, MP, Chair of the Finance, Economic and Planning Committee, Central African National Assembly 

As a member of parliament, how would you envision the role of international financial institutions such as the World Bank and IMF in the Central African Republic?

The Central African Republic is a member of both the World Bank Group and the IMF with which we have very-long standing relations. In the past, the finance component of development did not reach a level of critical mass because of the country’s economic and budgetary hardship. Today, we are glad to see that a more robust engagement with both institutions is taking shape, and we look forward to pursue in this direction because poverty has been weakening the State, as well as populations, and has led to greater uncertainty.

How would you describe your parliament’s relations with the World Bank and IMF?

The Central African National Assembly, whose sixth legislature has been in place since May 2016, is determined to play its constitutional role to the fullest, that is to say legislate and oversee state action. This requires capacities to acquire in order to enforce the accountability principle for public-office holders. Furthermore, we need to strengthen our links with institutions which support our country in running business and in its development. That is we have good-working and robust relations with both institutions.

You have had the opportunity to attend a parliamentary workshop on June 21, 2017, with the World Bank: in what respect has this meeting been important to you and your colleagues at the National Assembly?

This meeting was important for us because it has been established today that accountability along with participatory processes lie at the heart of international economic relations. It is only natural that elected representatives gather at the international level to share concrete knowledge and experiences.

How will this meeting help you in the conduct of the Finance Committee work?

The Finance Committee- which full name is Committee on Finance, Economy and Planning- must be able to determine the relevance of public policies in terms of investment choices, and economic, budgetary and financial choices which are reflected in the finance bills. Benefitting from the best experiences, in terms of methodology and oversight means, is critical for us to actually fulfill our role.

What do you expect from the World Bank and IMF in view of pursuing this engagement with members of parliament?

We will do our part, meaning that we will very soon launch a national chapter. Then, we will require the IMF and World Bank support in order to define a local and international cooperation program, for us to succeed in our mission. 

As a parliamentarian, how do you see the role of international financial institutions such as the World Bank and the IMF in the Central African Republic?

The Central African Republic is a member of two institutions, the World Bank Group and the IMF, with which we have had relations for many years. In the past, the financing for development component has not reached a critical mass level due to the country’s overall economic and budgetary difficulties. Today we are delighted that a more robust commitment from these institutions is taking shape, and we wish to continue this policy because it is poverty which weakens both the State and the populations and promotes insecurity. 

How would you describe your parliament’s relations with the World Bank and the IMF?

The Central African National Assembly which was set up in May 2016, for the sixth legislature of our country, intends to fully play its constitutional role, namely to legislate and control public action. This requires capacities to be acquired in order to make the principle of accountability and public mandates effective. In addition, we must strengthen ties with the institutions which help our country to better manage these affairs and to develop. This is why our relations with these two institutions are cordial and solid.

On June 21, you had the opportunity to participate in a parliamentary workshop with the World Bank: why did this meeting seem important to you and your colleagues in the National Assembly?

This meeting was important for us because we found that today the duty of accountability and mandates, as well as the participatory approach is the foundation of international economic relations. What could be more normal than elected officials who organize themselves internationally to share experiences on concrete bases?

How will this meeting help you in carrying out the work of the Finance Committee?

The Finance Commission whose full name is Finance, Economy and Planning Commission  must be able to judge the relevance of public policies in terms of investment choices, economic, budgetary and financial choices transcribed in the finance bills. Having both the best experiences in the work methodology and the means of control is decisive for us to effectively fulfill our role.

What do you expect from the World Bank and the IMF in order to continue this engagement with parliamentarians?

We will do our part, that is to say, very quickly create a national chapter. Then, we will need the assistance of the IMF and the World Bank to agree on a program of local and international cooperation, so that we are effective in our mission.