THE Democratic Republic of Congo’s central bank has devalued the Congolese franc, dropping its exchange rate to the dollar from 2,9 to 4,5, a fall of 55%. The new rate, announced on Wednesday, is “realistic,” according to Finance Minister Bemba Saolona. The devaluation comes on the heels of price hikes of up to 500% for water and electricity in the capital Kinshasa, while salaries have remained not only unchanged but in some cases unpaid for months. The minister also announced rises in fuel prices and for the services of some state enterprises.