Popular consultations in Kasai Oriental: the voice of the people at the heart of government action
Kasai Oriental, a province of the Democratic Republic of Congo, is facing a political crisis. To deal with this delicate situation, the provincial executive has decided to launch consultations with different sections of the population in order to gather their opinions and observations on the progress of the province.
These consultations began Thursday, July 20 with the first meeting between the governor and the heads of religious denominations. The latter made important recommendations, particularly with regard to the policy of proximity to the population and regular communication through the media. The participation of these men of faith is essential to ensure transparent governance and meet the expectations of the people.
Discussions continued with the heads of higher education establishments and universities, who addressed the issues related to the development of the diamond capital. Since education is an essential pillar of any socio-economic development, taking into account the specific needs of higher education institutions is crucial.
The consultations also included student presidents, the youth committee, civil society representatives and media directors from Mbuji-Mayi. These actors play a key role in mobilizing and sensitizing the population, and their active participation reinforces the legitimacy of these popular consultations.
This initiative comes after the forfeiture of the President of the Provincial Assembly of Kasai Oriental, marking a period of political instability in the province. The Union for Democracy and Social Progress (UDPS) welcomed this decision and called on provincial deputies to focus on the management of the provincial executive.
It is time to turn our gaze to Kasai Oriental and recognize the importance of popular consultations in resolving political crises. By giving a voice to the people, the provincial authorities show their willingness to work in harmony with the aspirations of the population and to strengthen local democracy.
These popular consultations are only a first step towards resolving the political and social problems that afflict the province. However, they mark an awareness of the importance of citizen participation in political decision-making. By listening to the voices of the people, leaders can better understand the concerns and expectations, and thus put in place programs and policies that respond to the real needs of the people.
In a country where democracy is still young, these popular consultations in Kasai Oriental are an encouraging sign of a political will to govern in collaboration with the people.. Hopefully, this will pave the way for a stronger integration of citizen participation in all levels of governance, for a more equitable, inclusive and prosperous society