EFFECTIVENESS OF PUBLIC GOVERNANCE IN THE FACE OF THE PRINCIPLE OF EQUALITY OF CITIZENS: A CRITICAL ANALYSIS OF PUBLIC POLICIES IN THE DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO

Abstract

The article examines the difficulty of reconciling state efficiency with citizens’ equality in the DRC. It shows that the pursuit of administrative performance does not necessarily ensure social justice. In Kinshasa, public services are more accessible but unevenly distributed. Urban and peripheral areas experience significant disparities in service delivery. In provinces such as Tshuapa, the weak presence of the state deepens inequalities. Access to education, healthcare, and basic services varies greatly across territories. Thus, equality remains largely formal rather than effectively realized in practice. Logistical and institutional constraints limit the effectiveness of public policies. A governance approach adapted to local realities is essential to strengthen national cohesion. Keywords: Public governance, administrative efficiency, equality of citizens, public policies, territorial inequalities, distributive justice, general interest. Since we publish in three languages, we prefer to publish the first version in French.