The DRC Head of State’s new roving ambassador, Claude Ibalanky, recently used social media to raise awareness of the ills plaguing the country, primarily the embezzlement of state property. Indeed, for him, if nothing is done today, tomorrow will be too late. Yesterday’s culture of evil has taken root today and everything overflows, in particular in road traffic, the spoliation of land, the proliferation of armed groups, the abuse of social networks, and the degradation of morals. The diplomat thus calls on the authorities to take radical measures to get to the root of these evils and create a just society for future generations.
The day after this statement, Claude Ibalanky recommended restrictions on social networks, highlighting national security. This proposal has not yet been commented on by the competent authorities but it has sparked debate on social networks. As a reminder, the former coordinator of the National Monitoring Mechanism of the Addis Ababa Framework Agreement, was appointed Roving Ambassador of the Head of State of the DRC in February 2023.
This message from the diplomat could be well received by the Congolese people who aspire to the rule of law and more social justice. However, if the words are strong, the actions are slow in coming. Indeed, some citizens have criticized the government for failing to act against the embezzlement of state assets and the other evils cited. International initiatives to help the DRC in its fight against these scourges, such as the ICC’s support for the fight against sexual violence in Ituri or the African foundation for pharmaceutical technology to strengthen the continent’s health system, can help reduce these ailments.
In short, the words of Claude Ibalanky are both a warning and a call to action for the Congolese authorities. Misappropriation of state assets and other endemic scourges will have to be fought to create a fairer society for future generations. The initiatives of the international community can help to change this reality, but the political will must be put in place to ensure effective change on the ground in favor of the populations.